150w Mh

jlscrug · 10-19-2005, 12:21 PM

I am entering the TRT nano buildoff and I need a few pointers. I plan to take apart my Coralife 130W PC fixture and mount it in the hood. I also want to add a 150W DE MH but am at a loss as to which one is 'best'. This is going on a 20g tall and the MH will probably only be on for 3-4 hours a day to simulate mid-day sun and help with flourescence. The tank will be primarily softies so I don't want too much light, but I will have 1-2 sps. (I already have M. digitata that is growing very well under the PC so maybe I don't need the MH after all?) Is there a smaller MH that allows use of the DE bulbs, and if so, are different color temperature bulbs available for it?

goodfortune · 10-19-2005, 01:02 PM

As far as I know, the 150W MH Bulbs only come as double-ended bulbs. You will need to use a glass shield to filter out UV light. If you go with a 150W MH bulb, I'd suggest using a pendant to hang the lights over your tank, as the double ended bulbs tend to run hotter and the open water surface of an uncovered tank will help control heating issues.

I would imagine that 1-150w DE bulb in the 14K range would be a good choice. The blue that a 14K bulb gives will eliminate the need for actinics. Also, you should have enough light for anything you would want to grow, as a 20g is a relatively shallow tank.

Alternatively, you could use a single-ended 175w bulb, as single ended/mogul base bulbs do not need shielding.

HTH,
Michael

goodfortune · 10-19-2005, 01:07 PM

...Also, you can buy a 70W DE MH kit for nanos. I've read about them being used on 10g tanks and JBJ nano cubes. I haven't heard about them being used on 20g tanks though.

- Michael

kbxiong67 · 10-19-2005, 01:40 PM

www.nano-reef.org

Everything you need to know about 70W MH setups.

milhouse74 · 10-19-2005, 02:47 PM

http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchan...roduct_Count=3

I run that with the 13k bulb and love it.

milhouse74 · 10-19-2005, 02:50 PM

Just to add, it is the only light I have over an 7.8 gallon tank. It is on from 8-5 (my work hours) on my desk at work. Growth of everything has been amazing, color also. I have softies, mushrooms, SPS, Zoos, and LPS.

David

jimbeau · 10-19-2005, 02:56 PM

I am running one 20k and 2 10k de bulbs if you want to compare color let me know. I would personally go with a 20k for that size tank, it will give very vivid flourescence (sp?) at the cost of quick growth but since it is a small tank fast growth isn't really a goal.

just my opinion, lighting is very subjective, everyone has a slightly different perfect setup....

EnderG60 · 10-19-2005, 08:20 PM

on nano reef look up a guy called lampdr. his site is illuming.com

i have his 150w halide kit with the 14k phoenix blub....great kit, awsome bulb super cheap