Metal Halide Coverage

[divetroop]

Would one 175w 10000k Metal Halide Retrofit Kit with only one bulb be okay for a 36in long tank?

 

[acrylic51]

Your pushing it.....Rule of them is a MH will cover 2'

 

[divetroop]

So two bulbs should suffice?

 

[thegrog]

It would be fine if you keep the lower light demanding corals (shrooms, polyps, ect) on the edges of the tank and the higher ones towards the middle. You could also keep the rockwork stacked in the middle and provide open swimming room at the edges for fishies. The tank will still be lit, just that the ends won't have sufficient light for high light demanding corals.

 

[divetroop]

Also, I am planning on getting a metal halide retrofit kit, with a Spider Reflector and Ice Cap Ballast. Will I be needing a splash guard to protect the bulb from saltwater splashing onto it. I've heard that metal halide bulbs explode if water splashes on to them. :notsure:

 

[acrylic51]

If your using the spider reflector you'll be using the SE bulbs which don't require a splash shield.......You should mount the lights high enough above the water surface to avoid water splash.....yes it's possible they could explode if hit with cool water, but if mounted properly shouldn't be a problem.....Plus using a shield will cut down on light penetration as well.....