Metal Halide Light

[the_bandit]

I just came across a few 250w Metal Halide lights that my dad used in the the garage. They are the ones that you use when working in the garage or a work site. Industrial ones. Together they are 500w because two come in a set I guess. Ive got a little 10g holding tank for fish, inverts, and coral that I dont really do anything with. Its got a simple stock stripe light. I havent seen any growth of algae or anything with the current light.
I found a way to jimmy rig the MH to the back wall so that it shines pretty bright down on the little 10g. Its about 12'' away from the aquarium and I have a fan pointed directly on the MH light.
Do you for see any problems?
I want to run the MH light for a good 5 or 6 hours but it gets extremely hot fast. Is this normal for MH lights?
I have eggcrate covering the tank.

 

[the_bandit]

I also have a hang on fan running constantly on the MH light whenever it is turned on.

 

[contraband629]

500W for a 10g sounds like major overkill to me.

 

[the_bandit]

Im not running both. Im just running one of them about 16'' away from the tank.

 

[the_bandit]

Bump

 

[oceandude]

Originally Posted by Contraband629
http:///forum/post/3148585
500W for a 10g sounds like major overkill to me.
You said it before I could. I don't think that lighting will do anything but harm your critters in a 10g...sorry.

 

[fraggle rock]

Besides the big one of overkill for the tank size, industrial grade MH will have reflectors designed to isperse light not consentrate the light for improved PAR. Also MH is a broad term used for a wide range of bulbs, the bulbs in the fixture you have may not have the right spetrum.color temps for aqaurium use.

 

[tank a holic]

+1 the industrial "shop light" bulbs arent going to help you
you need to get new bulbs 10 - 20 K