Cheapest MH

pokdbz

pokdbz

Member
I am interested in buying a MH fixture for a 55 gallon tank that is 48" long.
What is a good MH fixture for the cheapest price? And where to purchase?
I am just starting and I am not sure what a ballast is also?
Is there MH's that you just put on top of a glass top or do you have to do buy a canopy and mount it to that?
Do you have any suggestions on MH and more information on them?
Thanks
 
jjboods

jjboods

Member
Cheap and MH...you're making my computer crash!! LOL. Sorry, but those two just don't go together. Just ask my wallet!
 
broomer5

broomer5

Active Member
48" complete fixture
$500.00 to $800.00 depending on a lot of things.
VHO or PC supplements or bare bones MH.
Choice of good lamps or cheap ones.
Ballast quality.
Fans
etc.
 
jjboods

jjboods

Member
For somewhere between $550 and $600...I love mine. I think it is the coolest looking fixture on the market. Very sleek and hangs from two wires from the ceiling. AquaMedia AquaStarlight.
 
jarre

jarre

Member
Cheap MH - that's about like asking for a cheap Rolls Royce! It just doesn't fit. ---- or an auction site of some kind may be your best bet. I purchased a (New) dual 400W PFO ballast and mogels for $225 a month ago. Which is cheaper than I exspected to go for it!!
Good Luck!
 
jarre

jarre

Member
That doesn't look to be a bad deal. I would recommend changing the MH bulbs from 5200k to 10000k which can run another $150 to $180.
 
pokdbz

pokdbz

Member
I have a 55 gallon which dimensions are 48x13x20.
The guy selling also has some other which have higher wattage fixtures.
Also do you put MH over an open tank or a glass top, just wondering?
 
jarre

jarre

Member
I took my glass top off because the water temp was raising. I've had water temps that are much more stable without the glass top.
 
pokdbz

pokdbz

Member
Can't you just turn down the heaters till you get the temp you want with the glass on?
Well I guess that everyone is going to run over to ---- and jackup the price for me!!!! hehe
I will probably wait a little anyway.
 
jarre

jarre

Member
With the MH and the glass top you WON'T need a heater. You may need a chiller! LOL
I wouldn't worry about people out bidding you from here. I won't - promise!! ;)
Although I'm still in need of a dual 250W mh and a dual 400W and a dual HQI 400W!! Plus, 4 VHO's. I want just a little bit of lighting......LOL
 
pokdbz

pokdbz

Member
Are you serious about the chiller, do you need one in your tank?
How hot will the water get if i don't get a chiller?
Does the water temp stay constant with MHs?
 
jarre

jarre

Member
It's more the size of your tank. You may not need a chiller, but the glass top can hold the heat more than you think. Try it and watch your temp.
I'm using a dual 175W with my 45 and my temp went up 2 degrees in about four hours so I removed the glass top which gave it more ventilation.
 
slothy

slothy

Active Member
i have a 40 gall with 250 watt mh and 2 vho's my tank runs 82-84 with out a heater... getting a chiller this winter for sure.. so spring time im set
 
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