Metal Halide help and Questions

[pokdbz]

I am thinking of getting a dual MH retro fit 175 watts 10000K for my DIY canopy, my tank is a 55 gallon 48x12x18. I am going to have a glass top to the tank too.
I was wondering how far from the water should I mount them I have heard many things, 6,8,10 inches?
I also talked to my LFS about metal halides. They said that it would make the water too hot, and that I would need a chiller. I was planning on putting two fans on the side of the canopy for vents. Will this even help if I have the glass top on the tank.
I know that fish like the temp around 72-78. But what about snails and starfish would the excess heat kill them.
I would like to know those of you that have MH how hot does your water get?
Will it be possible for me to get MH without a chiller?
Could you explain a little more about MH's, I am really confused right now and not sure what to do.

 

[ntvflgirl]

Well, I don't have them myself, but my understanding is that you should mount them farther away from your water. I don't know many people that use a chiller with MH. Or maybe they just aren't saying so. Sounds to me like the lfs guy is trying to sell you an expensive piece of equipment. Use the fans. But wait for more info about where and how to mount them.
Good luck.

 

[marinemarty]

Hi pok, I currently run dual 175 MH and dual 95 VHO, i am still modyfing my canopy so as of now a have my lights on top of my glass tops. the light hood has 2.5 inch fans. Right now i have my heater on 81 and when the lights are on, depending more on my room temp. my tank goes up to 83. as we speak room temp 71.5 tank temp 80.8 . So far things are going well
HTH
Martin

 

[sebae0]

its all going to depend on how you make the canopy, i have 675 wts over a 180gal and 2 fans at either end one blowing in one blowing out. now it is not a closed canopy but it hangs about 7" from the top of the tank with the actual bulbs about 9 to 10 " from the water. when the ligths come on and the fans kick in my temp actually drops 1 degree. if you enclose the canopy i would think your temp would rise but how much i couldnt say. my fans our 4.5" and move alot of air around.

 

[finland]

Unless you live in a warm climate, with no A/C in the house, then you can get by withoout a chiller. I would mount the bulbs 8-10 inches above the water. If you are planning on building an enclosed canopy to house the mh's, then I would recommend removing the glass tops. You will have more evaaporation, but evaporation helps cool the tank. Also, you will have to have cooling fans in the canopy. The way I did it, is I put 2 fans inthe back of the canopy, and 2 vents on the top. I have the fans pushing into the canopy and out of the top vents. It keeps my tank at 80 where I want it. Hope this helps

 

[pokdbz]

If you don't have the glass tops to the tank won't there be some splashing on the canopy and maybe on the Metal Halides?
Do most people have them over an open tank?
So I will probably still need heaters for the night then?

 

[pokdbz]

Would I be able to keep a Maxima Clam sold here with 2 175 watt 10000k MH's. The tank is 18 inches high.

 

[krishj39]

haha, james, i like your new avatar. but, when i first saw it i just assumed you were ryebread. after being here for a while, i don't have to actually look at the name of the person who posted, i just recognize the avatar in my peripheral vision. you have a picture of someone's head just like him. you tricked me!
as for the post, i don't have anything to add, just looking at it because I wanted answers to the same questions.