Metal Halide lights

[hermit enthusiast]

I just found an article in one of my magazines and thought this would help all of the people who ask about metal hailide lighting and how much is needed.
*How many metal halides do I need?
Illuminate every 2 feet of tank with one metal halide.
*What wattage is appropriate for my tank?
18" deep or less requires a minimum of 100 watts
18"-36" deep require a minimum of 175 watts
24"-48" deep require a minimum of 250 watts
36"-60" deep require a minimum of 400 watts
*The color appearance is measured in degrees of Kelvin
4000 degrees Kelvin is a Neutral White
5000 d/k is a Cool White
1000 d/k is a White with blue
2000 d/k is a blue
Hope this helps any of the people who have questions about this type of lighting.

 

[option720]

Thanks hermit, i'm sure that will help someone on the board. The question is "will they do a search before they ask?"

 

[car guy]

actually lighting in a tank goes by watts per gallon,in a reef, 3-9 watts per gallon is optimin, for example in a 110 i have 975 watts, 2 400 halides and pc's, which works out to a little under 9 wpg

 

[aceiswild7]

hey option720 i think the answer is probably not

 

[adrian]

I hate to say it, but actually watts per gallon dosnt mean squat Wattage is a measure of power consumption, not output. Reefers should be concerned with overall intensity, and PAR, not with how much power the lights are sucking up.

 

[-shawn-]

Actually, Car guy, watts per gallon is just a general guideline. It gives a person an idea of what to begin looking for, but then they must customize the lighting to fit the needs they want/desire. You could have 20 watts per gallon, but if its just incodescent lights it still willn't do you much good (unless you like algae that is). Just to let you know.
[ October 25, 2001: Message edited by: -Shawn- ]

 

[dhe420]

Yo car guy 100 watts on a ten gallon is 10 watts per gallon but as you well know 100 watts aint s**t. So that is a VERY GENERAL guidline which really is useless. As adrian said that is how much power it USES not how much it PUTS OUT. Hope that helps a little

 

[reeferkeeper]

Guess what? I DID SEARCH and didn't find an answer only a debate. And insults for the membership. <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" />
I hate to say it, but actually watts per gallon dosnt mean squat Wattage is a measure of power consumption, not output. Reefers should be concerned with overall intensity, and PAR, not with how much power the lights are sucking up. <hr></blockquote>
How do you know what the overall intensity is and PAR. I RARELY find the answers I am looking for when I search. I have always heard of he Watts per gallon, but never anything else. Thanks!
I hope I posted this quote right <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" />

 

[taku]

The idea of this thread was to offer help... not bicker about bullshit
I just recently installed new 250w halides 5500K and I'm a little disappointed in the color output. The light emitted from the bulb is a terrific white color.. but when it hits the water it seems to refract etc and give me a yellowish glow Lucky I have a 36" 110w PC actinic strips so that helps...
I guess i'm used to seeing more blue in the tank. Can someone explain which is better as my replacement bulbs.. either 10000K or 20000K ? 120gal reef
thank youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

 

[taku]

by the way hermit enthusiast: you have incorrect numbers in your listing.. it should read
4000
5000
10000
20000
edit: aaaaww yea post #69