Metal halide lighting discussion

neil82

Sting ray
M.A.S.C Club Member
How are the MH setups out there doing in the warmer weather? I'm thinking of cutting mine back an hour per day. I'm not worried about heat (tank is in basement plus we have AC) but just to reduce energy consumption.
 

Dr.DiSilicate

Great White Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
ex-officio
How are the MH setups out there doing in the warmer weather? I'm thinking of cutting mine back an hour per day. I'm not worried about heat (tank is in basement plus we have AC) but just to reduce energy consumption.
I have three halides over my tank. I slightly shorten my photo period in the summer and lengthen it in the winter to help with heat. I have a fan tied to my apex that comes on when I hit a certain temp... I think it’s 77 °F. I also have a back up that turns the lights off of the tanks hits 80°. That has never happened. We do not have an air conditioner at this house. The tank is in the basement, when it wasn’t it ran slightly hotter but the lights have never been a problem. The fan over the sump keeps things nice and cool all day...




If we lived somewhere that it was humid and hot at night I think I’d be making different decisions but most of the year I welcome the heat as I don’t need to run my heaters as often.


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Andrew_bram

Tiger Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
1 400 watt radium with basement sump. I run it 4 hours a day year round. Metal halide is in enclosed canopy. Dont see issues I just let fan blow across sump.

Side note I am getting ready to add 3 more 400 watt halides to the new tank that is plumped into same system. I will let you know if it poses any problems.


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JuanGutz

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
1 400 watt radium with basement sump. I run it 4 hours a day year round. Metal halide is in enclosed canopy. Dont see issues I just let fan blow across sump.

Side note I am getting ready to add 3 more 400 watt halides to the new tank that is plumped into same system. I will let you know if it poses any problems.


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Just might need two Fans for the tank but shouldn’t be an issue. I’m letting go of two of my led+MH reefbrites if you’re interested.
 
Lighting question, I am doing a build of a 240 Gal Mixed reef 72" long x 30" wide and 24" high going with metal halides. Question is would 3, 250watt be good or do I need 4 ? or do I need 400 watt's 3 or 4 as well Thank you for your help.
 

jda123

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
I think that 3x 250w would be fine for a mixed reef. You could put the higher light stuff more under them and the lower light stuff in front or off to the sides.
 

JuanGutz

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
Lighting question, I am doing a build of a 240 Gal Mixed reef 72" long x 30" wide and 24" high going with metal halides. Question is would 3, 250watt be good or do I need 4 ? or do I need 400 watt's 3 or 4 as well Thank you for your help.
I’ve got two of the best mh/led pendants you can get for sale, you’d just need a third!
 
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