Best Metal halide Bulb

[Casey]

Hi guys Im gonna be changing my lighting in my 100 gal tank

it is a diy and wifee is scared of all the wires hanging around
so my question is what is the best bulb to get that doesnt need actinic supplemented? Also how many should I put in a 5 ft tank
that is 18 in deep? one more where can I get a retro kit that
is partially assembled? ok one more what type ballast is best?
sorry so long but im not good at this lighting stuff thanks for your help Casey

[Rick O]

Hi Casey.

You're going to get a lot of different opinions on this subject.

If you're going MH only with no actinic I would choose a 250 watt 10,000K bulb. Check out AquaticCo. His prices are very reasonable and his workmanship is real nice. He sells them as a DIY or as a complete assembly.

Good luck with your decision.

[Spanky]

Casey,

I agree, 250w 10K's. We run ours on IceCap.

Spanks

[Casey]

thanks guys I will check it out Rick oh which way should the MH
bulbs run with the length of the tank or front to back?

[Rick O]

I have mine running parallel with the length of the tank but they really should run perpendicular to the length. I didn't have enough room to do it that way. I can't really see any negative aspects to doing it this way.

[Casey]

Thanks Rick that is what I thought should have enough room to run them perpendicular Im doing one tank today will order the supplies from the link you gave me and do the other when I get the stuff thanks for your help Casey

[AquaticCo]

If your running MH only and you like a hint of blue you could run 12k's. If your going to use supplemental actinics the 250-watt Iwasaki's are the best. My 55 has the 12k's and I just received my new tank yesterday a 70 gallon tub that will run the Iwasaki / Actinic Combo. When it comes to lighting it really depends on what you like. I would recomend looking at other tanks and seeing what you like or dislike and then making your decision. Bulbs can get expensive

If I can help let me know

Doug