Considerations for Metal Halide (MH) lighting

[grey_fox]

I've been using T5HO lightings all along and am thinking of changing the lightings from T5 to MH. Currently I am using 8 x T5HO lamps for my 5 footer.

I'm considering to have either a customised MH set from delightings or to purchase a set from Aquamarin, Solite Type 3. Price wise would play a major role on my decision of course.

I have a few questions on the MH lighting sets.

1. Would a chiller be neccessary if I should convert to MH? My current temperature without a fan/chiller is at 27.5 after 10 hours of lighting.

2. Would 2 pendants @ 150W each be sufficient for my 5 footer. The depth is 2 feet.

3. For those who have used Solite's Type 3, would you recommend it?

[DE Lightings]

Firstly, why are you thinking of changing to MH instead of your existing 8xt5s HO? Is your T5 not performing to your expectation which makes you think of upgrading?

If you are using 8x80watts (5ft) with germany tubes+eballast+individual reflectors, it will be definately overkill for you tank.

As for MH, to have a good coverage for your tank size, 3x150watts will be ideal. 2x150watts, u might have some blind spot unless the MH have a good and large reflector. As MH runs hot, you will definately need a chiller to cool down your tank. A normal PC fan can only bring down @ 29deg.

But MH will have a better intensity compare to T5s. Both have its pro and cons

My 2 cents

[grey_fox]

Hey Razali,

Thanks for the feedback. I used to run a chiller for my 5-footer and decommisioned it after a couple of months due to the electrical bill surge.

If the MH is going to 'boil' the water, I guess more or less I will change my mind.

Just to check, would better T5 tubes be better (e.g. ATI)? I'm currently using tubes purchased from N.A.

[yappeyap]

Hi mate,

I'm using a 4ft Solite Type 3 now, i change the original MH bulb from the marine 10000K to Aqua Lux 8000K, T5 from the marine super white to Aqua planta 6500K

Performance = Never regret!
Look & Design = Never regret!
Cost = I never regret but wife made some comment (Personally, I reckon there isn't any light in the market that matches the price with the look and quality Solite offers, Check out ATI, Aquamedic, Giesemann & Arcadia) OF course most those listed are top of class brands, but with the $$ i still think fits in well in the budget


I'll try ask your questions:
1. Would a chiller be neccessary if I should convert to MH? My current temperature without a fan/chiller is at 27.5 after 10 hours of lighting.
Yes, note that if i don't on the chiller esp if you are that type that close all window the whole day the water will rise till about 28~30 plus (Get a chiller if you can, you'll never regret, causes the grow and constrast of the green are so amazing w & w/o chiller). Think many people can vote for that. And again it the return pump is well calculated to suit the flow rate and the chiller that is of a well efficient types, it should be much of any issues!

2. Would 2 pendants @ 150W each be sufficient for my 5 footer. The depth is 2 feet.
Yup, i'm using it to run a 5ftx26"x26", provided the Solite Type 3 has T5 (Bonus), you can use it for weekly plant maintance purpose, wouldn't get burn by the single MH lights.

3. For those who have used Solite's Type 3, would you recommend it?
You can contact me me if you need other details.
Operation Manuals
Accessories Manuals (Light hanging kit)
Recommdation of place to purchase MH bulbs

Hope it helps!

[BFG]

Grey Fox, does your T5 setup comes with individual reflector? You might need to get those Super White T5 tube from Korallen.

[grey_fox]

Hi yappeyap,

I've PMed you regarding the Type 3 series. Seems like a good buy yeah.

[grey_fox]

Hey BFG, yes it comes with individual reflectors. Where can I get those bulbs?

[grey_fox]

I've got another question.

Let's just say, the MH set is meant to power 250W. Would there be any adverse effects if I use a 150W bulb instead? Anyone has "downgraded" their bulbs whilst using a higher powered MH set?

[DE Lightings]

I've got another question.

Let's just say, the MH set is meant to power 250W. Would there be any adverse effects if I use a 150W bulb instead? Anyone has "downgraded" their bulbs whilst using a higher powered MH set?

U cant do that as the bulb holder is different....

150watts - RX7
250watts - FC2

250watts is so overkill for a planted tank...unless u are having a deep tank

[BFG]

I believe Reef Depot has them. Call and enquire 1st before heading down.

http://www.reefdepot.com.sg/

[grey_fox]

Thanks BFG

[StanChung]

Aaron, I would add that heat from mH is often overstated. I use them over my planted tanks and I can say it's no more than the FL's PL's I use. The difference is not noticeable. I don't even know if it's hotter or cooler and I only use a fan as cooling unit and it gets down to 24C on cool days!
I'm using an Arcadia S3 mH for my 3x2x2ft tank. It has one 150W mH and two 18W FL tubes. They are hung quite high from the water level. About 1ft. This is probably the reason there is little heat transfer.

Another note is that mH are great if it has the FL's/PL's as a light filler.
The light quality from mH lights are very harsh if not softened properly.
This is the reason i think mH pendants don't work for me.

[grey_fox]

Hey Stan,

I think if its hung high enough the heat issue shouldn't be much of a worry and having a fan would suffice.

I was thinking of having it seated ontop of the tank actually but I've since scrapped the idea at the moment until I move into my new place, I'll probably have to consider a few other things first also.

[StanChung]

If you have it seated on top, you'd have to guage if it can fully illuminate the area. If not what I've seen done is using two piece of thick glass stuck sideways on top of the aquarium bracing, one on each side to hold up the light.

[grey_fox]

Hehe, not to forget one more aspect actually, if the tank can stand the weight of the MH set.

I'm thinking of shifting my current 5 footer over to my new place or either that to get a new tank. I'll have to see my funds and of course approval from the lady boss

[StanChung]

Friend's got a 6ft Atman MH over his 6ft bowfront tank. Solid. no wobbling. Some rubber washers to prevent scratch.

[grey_fox]

Ah I see. Actually if I should get it and when over at my place, I'll hang it down from the ceiling. Maintanence and all will be much easier.

[eddy planer]

Hi grey fox,

To let you know i just downgraded from 2 units of MH 150w 8000k to TS HO (36w x4) x 2 units.

Reason why.... not suitable for home useage even my tank already kept cool of 24 degree by using chiller. The problem my plants werent grow at all for 3 months! all turn brown...hair grass, MM, undulate and beckett cryptocoryne are cooked except my xmas moss and taiwan moss are still alive but covered with hair alages.

I checked every details water conditions are still perfect till no abnoramally that i almost give up this hobby... but finally i seek advise from Ben of Tiong bahru . He went to my place to inspect all situation and finally he commented that MH isnt suitable for home unless my living hall is air conditioned to keep tank really cool.

So i damped the MH for T5 HO 36x4 ( which i purchased from NA just 1 month ago) and tested ran again.... this time my new plants pearly like water boiling. and my all plants grew very well with 24 degree C water.and i able dare plant US fiddisson without any problem. Thus.. i decided to buy 1 more T5 36x4. in other words..i got 2 units of T5. I never regret to have T5 but my greatest regret that i spend nearly $850 for worthless MH

Dont give athought of upgrading to MH, stick to T5

cheers
planer

[grey_fox]

Thanks Planer,

I've put the idea on hold for the time being, I'll probably make my final decision once I move into my new place.

[blackBRUSHalgae]

Hi grey fox,

To let you know i just downgraded from 2 units of MH 150w 8000k to TS HO (36w x4) x 2 units.

Reason why.... not suitable for home useage even my tank already kept cool of 24 degree by using chiller.

He went to my place to inspect all situation and finally he commented that MH isnt suitable for home unless my living hall is air conditioned to keep tank really cool.

So i damped the MH for T5 HO 36x4 ( which i purchased from NA just 1 month ago) and tested ran again.... this time my new plants pearly like water boiling. and my all plants grew very well with 24 degree C water.


Dont give athought of upgrading to MH, stick to T5

cheers
planer

I don't get it at all. Since with both T5 and MH setup, you could achieve 24deg, so why would the temperature is the factor that your MH setup failed while your T5 setup flies?

Let me phrase it clearer:

24Deg with MH... not cold enough for the plants unless your hall is airconditioned.

24Deg with T5... perfect temp for plants and all of them are pearling like crazy.