Single MH question

[Shaqinwi 65]

Does anybody run a single MH bulb with CF's like the one in this picture either in a fixture or a hood?



How do you like it?

I'm designing the lighting for a 65g (36"x18"x25"h) and I'm wondering if using the single MH centered in the tank at 12" above the water would make a "bright spot" in the center of the tank or have an even intensity?

I know ... why not use 2? Heat, expense and 350W will be enough for what I want to keep.

Thank you for your advice

[Wiskey]

It will make the center of the tank brighter,. but I would call that a good thing, because you can put yoru high light corals in the center, and lower light ones on the outskirts.

You don't have a Center brace on teh tank your using do you? If so then I might re-consider,.. if not then I think it will make for a cool look

Whiskey

[Shaqinwi 65]

Center brace ... good thinking. Yes I was going to have one but I can make it out of clear acrylic. Thanks Wiskey

[Wiskey]

Center braces like that, even with clear acrilic (because they get dirty) will cast shadows and look really crazy,.. It sounds like you havne't picked up the tank yet? If that's true can you get one that is eurobraced insted?

Whiskey

[crvz]

If you're only using one MH in the middle of the tank, I would make sure there's no bracing. Even if it's clear, you're going to lose a good amount of light.

[awholelota]

i run a single 250w 20k bulb on my 36" tank without suplimental bulbs. it works perfectly. it's 15" deep and 20" tall. all my coral are fine, and i have a calm on the sand that's doing well. even the coral under the middle bracing are doing well.

[awholelota]

also the light doesn't seem brighter in the center. i have coral on the outer edges of the tank that are doing fine.

[DarthOcellaris]

I had that same exact fixture from Current USA..I loved it. I sold mine so I could upgrade to the 2X150 unit though and I'm still trying to raise money for that LOL

The reason I am wanting to upgrage is because of the center brace issue. I have a clear center brace and I felt that the light WAS diminished but never the less, I loved the fixture. I decided to get the 2X150 to overcome the center brace issue

hth

[Shaqinwi 65]

Thank you all for your knowledge and input. The center brace is now gone and replaced by 2 3/16" dia stainless steel rods.

[Shaqinwi 65]

Originally Posted by DarthOcellaris

I had that same exact fixture from Current USA..I loved it. hth

Did you (or anyone else with one 175W MH and two 96W CF's on a 65g tank) have any problems with heat?

I really want to avoid using a chiller

[Shaqinwi 65]

...........bump ..............

[chrischris]

i think euro brace or 2 175s is that way to go