Metal Halide Question

[newbie20]

Received two fixtures with the used setup I purchased. One's a basic compact flourescent fixture with white, blue, and moonlight led (currently running on my tank - 6ft 150 gallon). The other is an older model 175W 3-bulb MH fixture with compact flourescents. Only one MH bulb is operable, and likely needs to be replaced as well.

I know enough to understand the MH fixture would provide a brighter and higher quality light, better for growing corals, etc. However, before I drop the $150+ on bulbs, should I also be factoring in the cost of a chiller into the decision given the increased heat associated with MH? The fixture would sit atop my open canopy probably 6-8" above the water's surface. It also has fans on both sides. Still need a chiller?

The compact flourescent fixture is currently doing the job, but I know as I grow in this hobby, I'll need to upgrade. Just trying to be wise with my money given the current budget constraints I'm faced with. Also thinking about a newer t5 fixture to eliminate the heat issue and the additional piece of equipment.

Either upgrade I'm considering would mean $200/year in bulbs, which also makes me wonder if I should continue with what I have and save the money towards LEDs, which I still need to learn a lot about.

Any thoughts/recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[grouper therapy]

Depending on the type of corals you are planning on keeping .The 175s may not be enough light anyway.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

grouper therapy;820032 wrote: Depending on the type of corals you are planning on keeping .The 175s may not be enough light anyway.

exactly! Most likely will need 3 x 250w at a minimum depending on tank depth.

 

[newbie20]

Good point. I kind of came to that conclusion as well. So, if I went that route, would that pretty much require i add a chiller?

 

[brandonmason]

I have MH over my tank and it sits 6" above water level on open top tank and I started getting a rather large swing in temp without a chiller... but I was new to the hobby so I decided to do some DIY cooling fans that I built into the back of the custom canopy I built.... So during the day I open the face of the canopy and 6 fans blow air over the water and 2 fans act like exhaust... and with my lights running 10 hours I have a steady 79 degree tank... However with this cooling technique I get more evap...

 

[glxtrix]

grouper therapy;820032 wrote: Depending on the type of corals you are planning on keeping .The 175s may not be enough light anyway.

In the right reflector, you can grow anything with 175

 

[grouper therapy]

glxtrix;830593 wrote: In the right reflector, you can grow anything with 175

I never tried growing something in the reflector, I always used the aquarium.

 

[rdnelson]

grouper therapy;830600 wrote: I never tried growing something in the reflector, I always used the aquarium.

I came sooooo close to posting almost the same thing just a minute ago. LOL :yay:

 

[grouper therapy]

rdnelson99;830601 wrote: I came sooooo close to posting almost the same thing just a minute ago. LOL :yay:

Couldn't help myself.
It is true that the reflector makes a huge difference in the amount of light directed toward the water. The brand bulb used and the type ballast used affects the performance of a lighting system. That said the fixture the op described above usually were not equipped with the high performance reflector or ballast. As for growth that can be experienced in the tank described by the op with even less wattage but usually with less than satisfactory color.