MH question

[hunterdaddy]

I am thinking about ordering metal halide from a website. It is a kit so I have to build it but thats ok. It is 175 watt 4300k MH.
Question is. This is a 48 inch long tank. Will I have to get 2 of these kits? One for each side of the tank? What would I use for a reflector so this light dosent shine into the room? Would 1 of these be ok for my whole tank with nothing else??
HELP

 

[predator]

You could set it up in the middle and at the far ends of the tank have corals who do not requir alot of lights.. But to cover the entire tank , I think you will need another one. Or just use it in conjuction with your current lighting???

 

[reeferx]

4300k?
I would stay away from that hdaddy. I don't think you or the coral will be too happy with that light spectrum.
10000k seems to be the norm around here. Some say that it is too blue and go for 6500k. I personally think that 6500k is too yellow.
Up to you, but I haven't heard of anyone using a 4300k bulb in a long, long time.

 

[marine qa]

hunterdaddy,
Matt is right. A 4300k is not correct for aquariums, it should be used for indoor plants. A 4300k will produce the greatest algae bloom you have ever seen. Look to get a 6500 or 10000K as Matt suggests.
As to your main question, you would certainly want two units, one at each end.
The best way to mount these lights would be horizontally. If you really want to build the reflectors yourself just make sure they have some small holes above the bulbs for heat dispersion and are also highly reflective on the ********. Maybe a polished aluminium would work.
Good luck and have fun.