500 or 800MH on 90 gal.

masala4080

masala4080

Member
What do you think would be better..(keep in mind evaporation and and heat.).......
To get a 2, 250w (500w) MH retrofit or to get a 2, 400w (800) MH retrofit on a 90 gal? (Both 10K bulbs)
I want to do all kinds of corals, clams, SPS, the works, so im thinking the 800, but would this be overkill, around 8.88 watts per gal.?
Also, the canopy has an open back, but what kind and how many fans would you reccomend and what cfm rating of fans to cool it off? (Keep in mind the room with the tank in it is about 62 degrees during the daytime.)
Please respond with any comments or concerns you might have! I am very excited about this lighting and want to get started as soon as possible!! Thank you ALL very much:yes:
 
stangbabe1993

stangbabe1993

Member
i have 2 x 250 mh and vho actinics and so far i have 2 clams,bubble coral, rose bta, shrooms,colt, and everything is doing great. clams are growing like crazy. when i asked here for mine they said 250 would be fine
 
masala4080

masala4080

Member
Thanks for your input! I got 1 more question know that I thought of after you posted....
Whats better.... 800w of MH
or
500w MH and 192w of vho actinics?
What will give me the best results, and also the best look.
Once again, thanks. Please EVERYONE, feel free to comment!
 
shoreliner11

shoreliner11

Active Member
Or you could save some money and get 2 de 250w mh. They'll put out the same PAR as dual 400w single ended bulbs and you'll like your electric bill a little more. You can still incorporate the vho actinics if need be. Or you could just go with 20k bulbs.
Aaron
 
thegrog

thegrog

Active Member

Originally posted by Shoreliner11
Or you could save some money and get 2 de 250w mh. They'll put out the same PAR as dual 400w single ended bulbs and you'll like your electric bill a little more. You can still incorporate the vho actinics if need be. Or you could just go with 20k bulbs.
Aaron
I agree with this.
If you don't want to go with the de (or HQI) MH's, go with the dual 400's. 8.8 is not overkill for SPS or high light demanding corals. You will have to put polyps and mushrooms near the bottom else they may pale out. Also, keep the bulbs 8-9" from the water surface.
For fans, definately go with it least 2 fans of it least 4" in size, 6" being better. They make some that have a thermostat control (I believe that IceCap makes one) so they are not on when the lights are off (keeps evaporation down). They cost a few $$ more, but worth it. It takes the cfm calculation right out of the picture! If you have the thermostat fans, 4" fans will do.
Good luck!
 
T

thomas712

Guest
So far good advice. Also keep in mind what they are saying about your softies toward the bottom so plan on some rock work that maybe steps up toward the back so you can place those softies.
I like my 440 VHO/ 2-250 MH combo, but so far I don't run my MH all the time just 3 or 4 hours per day. I also don't have heavy hard corals yet either.
Thomas
 
masala4080

masala4080

Member
The only reason I was thinking of going with 2, 400s is because I can get basicly everything for only $250. My concern is the electric cost though...Anyone have any estimates in how much it will cost a month? I am also wondering if in the morning, when the lights pop on, will it scare the fish too much?
As far as the rock is concerned I am probably going to get ans shape some acrylic, so I would be able to have shelving and what not.
I am still debating so more commentswould be awsome, you guys have helped out a lot already. Thank you. Please post any other concerns you might have with going for some lights this big? Thank you all once again...keep the comments rolling!:joy:
 
masala4080

masala4080

Member
I am probably just going to get the 2, 400 MH. A big DIY canopy project is in store! I will install 3, 4" IceCap cooling fans with the built in temp probe, working to 50, to 110 cfm. What do you think?
Also what directions should the fans be placed?
 
shoreliner11

shoreliner11

Active Member
Your electric bill might be a little bit higher but if I were you I'd probably go with the se 400's as well. With de bulbs your canopy would have to be pretty tall and they are more money than se. IMO the more fans the better. If it were me I'd probably use 4x4" fans all directly point into the tank. 1 on each side blowing in and 2 on top blowing in as well. Good luck with the purchase.
Aaron
 
masala4080

masala4080

Member
Thanks, thats what Im gunna do. Get 4 Icecap cooling fans that control themself automaticly. 2 ontop, blowing down, and 2 on each side, blowing in, as well as having the open back. So do you think placing the lights around 8" to 9" above the water would work. I also would have no glass covering the tank correct? I am probably also gunna paint the inside of the canopy a white. Any suggestions on what kind, like a high gloss or something? Thanks for all your help!:yes:
oh....One more thing, do you reccomend going with the 10K or 20K bulbs?
 
yaksplat

yaksplat

Member
you typically pay your electric bill by the kilowatt-hour. So just plug your cost/kwh in this formula.
total kwh= ((Total Wattage * hours on) / 1000)
total cost = (total kwh * cost/kwh)
so based on $.12/kwh and running 2x250 mh and 2x96 pc for 12 hours a day, my daily cost would be $.996 per day.
Jim
remember to add up all of your pumps and heaters too
 
cathbad

cathbad

Member
Anthony Calfo recommends to provide near minimum (my words not his) lighting and supplement with feeding. Basically, don't overdo the lighting and provide sufficient feeding to make up the difference.
 
masala4080

masala4080

Member
hmm....I'll stick with lights. Any other last minute comments? ordering the 2, 400w MH tonight, and 4, 4" IceCap temp. controlled fans tonight as well. I will do a DIY for the canopy in a couple weeks or so. Any ideas about painting the inside white? What kind of paint....ect.??? Thanks, all of you guys have been a great help!
 
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