I have some metal halides that I picked up a while ago. I decided to never use them as I know that they can melt corals if not set up properly. I am unsure of the wattage and bulbs in them, but can look when I get home. What Im wondering is if they will be beneficial to a 29 g tank. The LFS I buy my corals from has them under a MH, but their tank is also a foot below the suspended MH. I cant suspend the MH and am dying to use them as I want some hard corals. Ive read up a little bit on them, but am looking for some "expert" advice. Anyway I hope to hear back from everyone soon and will post the specs of the MH bulbs when I get home.
Metal Halides
- Thread starter calpoly12
- Start date
No real problem with MH on a 30 other then heat issues and the bleaching you already brought up.
You can adjust the photo cycle or move a coral into the shade until it can slowly adjust.
But if the LFS you buy from is using MH, then you probably wont have too many issues.
You can adjust the photo cycle or move a coral into the shade until it can slowly adjust.
But if the LFS you buy from is using MH, then you probably wont have too many issues.
sweet! even though the MH at the LFS is on a sun cycle? a sun cycle is basically set up as follows. the MH is on a motorized system that moves the light back and forth along their show tank. This results in an "on/off" light cycle for the corals.
Should I just set it up and see how it goes?
Should I just set it up and see how it goes?
I would just watch em. If you are really concerned, then start at the lowest point in your tank and work your way up. Or, move the fixture up higher.
Or do both
Although, go ahead and try to confirm the wattage on that fixture. That could make or break the deal, and how high you need to mount it.
Or do both
Although, go ahead and try to confirm the wattage on that fixture. That could make or break the deal, and how high you need to mount it.
I don't know much about lighting... but could you put like a mesh screen over the lights. they will emit the same intensity but it would reduce the lumens intering the tank. Also, as stated, heat may be a concern...
I forgot to mention that I have a chiller so Im not to worried about heat. I just dont want to watch everything in my tank melt lol. I wish I could mount them form the ceiling, but that wouldnt fly to well lol
The screen idea mentioned above is used by many.
You can also put your corals down on the substrate and slowly work them up.
I havent fried very many corals in my day, and Im pretty reckless.
You can also put your corals down on the substrate and slowly work them up.
I havent fried very many corals in my day, and Im pretty reckless.
thanks for the input! I read that MH's can weaken supports on an acrylic aquarium when the lights are placed directly above the supports. this can lead to total failure of the structure...wouldnt want this to happen lol
I know lots of people that are using MH over acrylic tanks, but if you are scared you could sell them off and put that money towards some LED fixtures.
Better safe than sorry I guess.
Better safe than sorry I guess.