What do you guys think of this type of lighting?

[cherd]

So my new 150gallon tank came in and im trying to decide what lights to get. From what i've read I think I like the t5's along with adding a metal halide pendant. I'm adding the metal halide so if I ever decide to add sps i won't have to upgrade again. Here's the question tho-my tank is deep, it's 30 inches deep... The dimensions are 48x24x30. I was looking at doing a 400w metal halide pendant and 4 x 54w t5's. Do you guys think this would be enough?
And does anyone have an opinion on heat and electricity with metal halides? I've heard they can add some heat but is it really that bad? I do appreciate their shimmer effect they have on the water and have been thinking lately about the possibility of going with just those also.
Please help me decide! lol
Thanks!

 

[stanlalee]

you'll need two halides if you want full tank coverage. since you have supplemental lighting you can use two 250w bulbs, they'll just need to be high PAR bulbs like XM or Ushio 10k then you can blue it up with the T5s as needed.

 

[cherd]

Hmm, thanks I didn't think about getting 2 250w versus a 400w. I don't know a lot about all the retrofit stuff i've been looking at but I guess i'm getting it. Is there such a thing as being able to get one ballast for both of the 250w pendants?

As opposed to purchasing 2, one for each 250w?
thanks

 

[gatorwpb]

Originally Posted by Cherd
http:///forum/post/2793860
Hmm, thanks I didn't think about getting 2 250w versus a 400w. I don't know a lot about all the retrofit stuff i've been looking at but I guess i'm getting it. Is there such a thing as being able to get one ballast for both of the 250w pendants?

As opposed to purchasing 2, one for each 250w?
thanks
yes some companies make a dual 250w ballast, but a regular 250w ballast will not run 2 pendants. must be a dual ballast.
With a 30" tank, Id look into 2x400w MHs. Then you can use 14k or 20k bulbs and not have to worry about the depth of the tank.