MH light for planted tank - questions...

[wee]

I have been checking on MH light for my 4x2x2 planted tank. Have more or less decided on the one sherchoo fixed for his new tank. As my tank is already setup, I have been trying to figure a easy way of mounting the lights to the ceiling. I plan to mount a horizontal bar across the tank near the ceiling so that I can mount the light to the bar. In this way I can drill to the ceiling at the edge of the tank, which is much easier. I can also easily adjust the horizontal position along the bar.

At this point I have few questions:
- Since I don’t have chiller, is 2x150W MH generating too much heat for my tank?
- If I use 3x70W (210W) instead, is the light enough. I am presently having 8x36W PL (288W). Will 210W MH light give about same intensity as 288W PL light? The PL lights don’t seem to be as strong as they are new.
- What’s the gallon value of 320litres?
- Can I use 70W MH bulb on 150W light set?
- Is there 70W MH hanging light that’s smaller and cheaper than 150W one?

I was at GAN today. Saw that the 6’ tank is also using 2x150W. So wonder if 210W good enough for 4 footer.

Thanks for any input. Cheers.

[wee]

I have been checking on MH light for my 4x2x2 planted tank. Have more or less decided on the one sherchoo fixed for his new tank. As my tank is already setup, I have been trying to figure a easy way of mounting the lights to the ceiling. I plan to mount a horizontal bar across the tank near the ceiling so that I can mount the light to the bar. In this way I can drill to the ceiling at the edge of the tank, which is much easier. I can also easily adjust the horizontal position along the bar.

At this point I have few questions:
- Since I don’t have chiller, is 2x150W MH generating too much heat for my tank?
- If I use 3x70W (210W) instead, is the light enough. I am presently having 8x36W PL (288W). Will 210W MH light give about same intensity as 288W PL light? The PL lights don’t seem to be as strong as they are new.
- What’s the gallon value of 320litres?
- Can I use 70W MH bulb on 150W light set?
- Is there 70W MH hanging light that’s smaller and cheaper than 150W one?

I was at GAN today. Saw that the 6’ tank is also using 2x150W. So wonder if 210W good enough for 4 footer.

Thanks for any input. Cheers.

[wee]

I have been checking on MH light for my 4x2x2 planted tank. Have more or less decided on the one sherchoo fixed for his new tank. As my tank is already setup, I have been trying to figure a easy way of mounting the lights to the ceiling. I plan to mount a horizontal bar across the tank near the ceiling so that I can mount the light to the bar. In this way I can drill to the ceiling at the edge of the tank, which is much easier. I can also easily adjust the horizontal position along the bar.

At this point I have few questions:
- Since I don’t have chiller, is 2x150W MH generating too much heat for my tank?
- If I use 3x70W (210W) instead, is the light enough. I am presently having 8x36W PL (288W). Will 210W MH light give about same intensity as 288W PL light? The PL lights don’t seem to be as strong as they are new.
- What’s the gallon value of 320litres?
- Can I use 70W MH bulb on 150W light set?
- Is there 70W MH hanging light that’s smaller and cheaper than 150W one?

I was at GAN today. Saw that the 6’ tank is also using 2x150W. So wonder if 210W good enough for 4 footer.

Thanks for any input. Cheers.

[wee]

I have been checking on MH light for my 4x2x2 planted tank. Have more or less decided on the one sherchoo fixed for his new tank. As my tank is already setup, I have been trying to figure a easy way of mounting the lights to the ceiling. I plan to mount a horizontal bar across the tank near the ceiling so that I can mount the light to the bar. In this way I can drill to the ceiling at the edge of the tank, which is much easier. I can also easily adjust the horizontal position along the bar.

At this point I have few questions:
- Since I don’t have chiller, is 2x150W MH generating too much heat for my tank?
- If I use 3x70W (210W) instead, is the light enough. I am presently having 8x36W PL (288W). Will 210W MH light give about same intensity as 288W PL light? The PL lights don’t seem to be as strong as they are new.
- What’s the gallon value of 320litres?
- Can I use 70W MH bulb on 150W light set?
- Is there 70W MH hanging light that’s smaller and cheaper than 150W one?

I was at GAN today. Saw that the 6’ tank is also using 2x150W. So wonder if 210W good enough for 4 footer.

Thanks for any input. Cheers.

[kingpin]

Wee,

I have 280W (4x70W) MH for my 5 footer. I have to trial and error the distance between my lights and water surface to reduce spot algae on my glosso leaves. The lights are timed to switched on daily for the already minimum 8 hours. IMO, 2x150W more than enough for a 4 footer. Maybe you can consult Sherwin on this since you and him are using the same wattage and tank size.

You will definitely need some fans or chiller to cool your tank. The heat generated by MH setup is HOT! man [].

Anyway, your idea of using a horizontal bar is good. Next time if you decide to upgrade your tank, you can easily add another MH to the bar. Easier to adjust the distance between the lamps too, so as to achieve the best light coverage for your tank.

[MECH]

Other alternative.........use better quality PL tube.........OSRAM [:]

[sherchoo]

For the wattage used, I'm using 2X150W which I think will be more than enuff. What I'm worried is the algae due to lights. I'm still in the testing phase for 300W of MH for my 4ft tank. If algae gets out of hand, I will be forced to reduce to 2X70W.

From my sources, 70W tube can be used on a 150W system with minimal difference.. (don't really understand what minimal means either).

3X70W would be the ideal configuration for the 4ft. I did not opt for this configuration as it cost a bit much plus the it would look kinda weird to have 3 lights juz for a 4ft..... esp when the lighting fixtures are as big as mine.

[loupgarou]

heh. i manage with a single 1 x 150 w.

yes it will be hot, so use a ac fan.