MH lighting

[saltyfish808]

What is a good watts to gallon ratio for metal halide lights? Can you over do it?

 

[nycbob]

3-5 watts per gallon for mh is a good rule.

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by saltyfish808
http:///forum/post/2479736
What is a good watts to gallon ratio for metal halide lights? Can you over do it?
Yes, you can overdo it, but usually not with anything below 10 watts per gallon. Overdoing it causes excessive heating of the water, algae growth, and electricity waste. In extreme circumstances, it can burn your corals or fish.
Apropos, watts per gallon is an outdated measurement for lighting, but it still works pretty good for halides.

 

[saltyfish808]

i figured there was such a thing as to much thank you

 

[foxface2]

I have 2 400wt mh on a 90gl It is a bit much i think it is 9 watts a gal. but i have them 10inches off the water and on for only 6 hours a day.The only problem i have is keeping the temp. right it moves from 78-81