Metal Halide or more Compact Fluorescent?

[Dan F]

I am in the process of upgrading the lighting on my 135G (72x18x24) tank. I am thinking about adding a few Java Ferns, but no plans for a fully planted tank due to my stocking.

The tank has two 72" (160W) Aquasun VHO bulbs and two 21" (65W) CF bulbs. It's bright, but not as much as I want.

I have a brand-new CF ballast for 2x34" (96W) bulbs. I also have a couple new 175W MH bulbs and reflectors.

I'm trying to decide if I should buy a couple 96W CF bulbs (about $90) or a MH dual ballast (about $170).

The CF setup would use less power and produce less heat. They also would spread the light more evenly across the tank.

The MH setup would be brighter and give that cool shimmer effect.

What would you do?

 

[MadRussian79]

The halide will cook the java fern. I have Halide on half of my tank it's 3' deep and the ferns do not do well on that side of the tank.

 

[dannyboiiii]

u should pick up some t85o fluerecents they save energy bro!!!
and there somethin like double or triple the luminens of reg flurecent aqua lights

 

[Dan F]

The halide will cook the java fern. I have Halide on half of my tank it's 3' deep and the ferns do not do well on that side of the tank.

Thanks for the reply. I haven't used the MH lights since I converted the tank from SW to FW. I wasn't sure if the fluorescent lighting would have enough intensity for plants.

The CF bulbs seem like an easier fit, as well.

 

[JakeH]

I say start with the cheaper option. You'll end up adding the halides once the plant bug srikes you full-force!

 

[Dan F]

u should pick up some t85o fluerecents they save energy bro!!!
and there somethin like double or triple the luminens of reg flurecent aqua lights

I had thought about a T-5 HO setup, but I got a really good deal on the CF ballasts ($19.99 for the 2x65W, $29.99 for the 2x96W) and bulbs ($14.99 each for 65W). The VHO setup I have had for about twelve years, it's hard to get rid of something that works so well!

 

[Dan F]

I say start with the cheaper option. You'll end up adding the halides once the plant bug srikes you full-force!

Yeah, I think I will start by picking up a couple 96W bulbs - where is the cheapest place to get them? (including shipping, which varies a lot)

The halides might get used later. I'm not sure how well my plant idea will work out - my Prochilodus may eat them and my Eartheaters may dig them up - we'll see...

 

[benray4fun]

I vote compacts and if you can do it...t5's are better. Halides do have that cool shimmer effect, but they also have that cooking heat and high electricity bill effect...not so cool.

I also converted from sw to fw and ditched the halides, they cost too much to run. If you want that cool shimmer effect without the high heat and the bill look into L.E.D. lighting, they may cost up front, but last for a decade at least.

 

[bob965]

T-5HO. They might have a higher initial cost, but you'll save money in the long run with lower operating cost and lower bulb replacement cost.

 

[NOLAGT]

that cool shimmer effect.

What would you do?

That was the sole reason for me using my 2x400w MH setups I had on my 240 african cichlid tank...if you ask me that look is awesome not to mention the light and the color of the fish.

I have my MH 2' off the water for coverage and so its not too bright. If the MH prove to be too much for the plants you could raise them possibly.