HM light for 4ft tank?

[Star-flog]

Hi,

I plan for a 4ft tank (4'x3'x1.5'H) and consider to instal Germany brand Giesemann Nova II Metal Halide (70W).

Would it be overkill? Do I need chiller?

Want to create a more natural setup tank with various plants for the 2ft lungfish.

[Shadow]

how many light? only 1 70W? wouldn't it too low?

[Star-flog]

how many light? only 1 70W? wouldn't it too low?

The tank is not very deep, about 1.5 ft and thinking the HM light can spread evenly across a 4ft x 3ft tank area. If using 150W and may get to hot and chiller may be needed.
I don't know any member here use 70W HM light before?

[Shadow]

I don't think one 70W MH can spread entire 4ft unless you hang it very high up. I use 150W for my 3ftx1.5ft and I need to hang it higher to cover the whole tank. Some bro here use 70W for 2ft tank.

4ftx3ft is a big tank. You have about 135 gallons, with 70W it give you 0.5WPG, 2x70W give you 1WPG and 2x150W give you 2.2WPG. Of course it is also depending on your plants.

[freddiewee]

hi star-frog,

i have a tank like yours and i think 70w maybe too low. it might be better if you get t5s. the price for that 1 mh you can more wattage for that money (i think).

anyway have you considered the china brand MHs? like weipro? they have good combinations like 2x150w + 1x70w MH just for around 6 orange pieces. not sure bout quality wise tho. in the long run they are more worth it because you need to change them once every 2 years.

cheers,
freddie

[Star-flog]

hi star-frog,

i have a tank like yours and i think 70w maybe too low. it might be better if you get t5s. the price for that 1 mh you can more wattage for that money (i think).

anyway have you considered the china brand MHs? like weipro? they have good combinations like 2x150w + 1x70w MH just for around 6 orange pieces. not sure bout quality wise tho. in the long run they are more worth it because you need to change them once every 2 years.

cheers,
freddie

Hi freddiewee, thanks the comment.
I'm in the planning stage to have this tank and always fancy of Giesemann Nova II HM but may be T5 will do the job just as well.
Is it odd size tank (4'x3'x1.5') that you have, a good size tank? Any photo will be appreciated.

[Star-flog]

I don't think one 70W MH can spread entire 4ft unless you hang it very high up. I use 150W for my 3ftx1.5ft and I need to hang it higher to cover the whole tank. Some bro here use 70W for 2ft tank.

4ftx3ft is a big tank. You have about 135 gallons, with 70W it give you 0.5WPG, 2x70W give you 1WPG and 2x150W give you 2.2WPG. Of course it is also depending on your plants.

You got the point there. Thanks.

[adeguay]

I am using Giesemann INFINITI (2T5 & 2MH@ 150W) for my 4x2x2.
No regret buying this super expensive item. It's look and design is great.

Normally i on my T5 for 8 hour and MH for 4 hour. Plant all grow well.
Gor 4 feet, go for 2 MH, better coverage.
If possible add 2 more T5. I prefer to view my tank with only T5 on. When doing maintain job, T5 will is great to provide the extra light needed.
MH can only act like afternoon sun effect. it is too bright for my eye.

BTW, chiller is a must for MH.

[Star-flog]

I am using Giesemann INFINITI (2T5 & 2MH@ 150W) for my 4x2x2.
No regret buying this super expensive item. It's look and design is great.

Normally i on my T5 for 8 hour and MH for 4 hour. Plant all grow well.
Gor 4 feet, go for 2 MH, better coverage.
If possible add 2 more T5. I prefer to view my tank with only T5 on. When doing maintain job, T5 will is great to provide the extra light needed.
MH can only act like afternoon sun effect. it is too bright for my eye.

BTW, chiller is a must for MH.

Thanks for comment. Appreciate.
If MH should need a chiller then may be I should change my plan.

Have you or anyone here tried Giesemann RAZOR T-5 1200 mm (2 x 54W)? It seems simple but solid.

[adeguay]

Thanks for comment. Appreciate.
If MH should need a chiller then may be I should change my plan.

Have you or anyone here tried Giesemann RAZOR T-5 1200 mm (2 x 54W)? It seems simple but solid.

Never tried this before. But 2X54W T5 is surely not enough for your 4 feet tank.