Low Tech tank with Metal Hallide???

[shrimppaste]

Hi Guys,

Anyway to set up a low tech tank with Metal hallide??? OK, see the problem is this. My father in law had a marine tank set up. However, soon all the fishes died. And he was thinking of converting his into a planted tank after seeing my planted tank. I cannot do a high tech tank for him cause he will not bother with the fertiliser regime. But then again I know with such strong lighting there is almost no way to do low tech tank. So anyone know if this can be done????

Alternatively, I was thinking of helping him convert the tank into either

1. An African Cichlid tank. If I do this, would there be algae problems with the high lighting? etc.?

2. Blackwater biotope.

Please help guys as I need to help him do it soon!

[cooljazz]

If you want to make a low tech, why don't you use sunlight instead?

[shrimppaste]

I already have the light hanging on the ceiling.

[bossteck]

How deep is the tank?

If your father in law wants a planted tank, you best give him a planted tank

Can try to plant really heavily, if you're afraid of algae problems. If it is excessive lights you're worried about, can add floaters or plants with surface leaves (lotus comes to mind).

Remember to slowly lengthen the photo period, start with 4 hours, then slowly extend to 8 over a few weeks.

[shrimppaste]

I know he wants planted. But He wants low tech. So I don;t think we can do low tech with metal hallide right?

[christopher.wtc]

MH and other light sets are just the same. The difference are the output and light intensity the individuals produce. I suggest hanging the MH light higher than usual, 50 cm or more above water level. The catch is during the start of the tank, the height of the MH light may be subjected to adjustment time and time again till you get the right balance to achieve a low maintenance tank type. This period may cause a few outbreak of algae but I guess it won't be a problem for you now