Metal Halides

[Holokai]

I did a quick search on the topic, but I was unable to determine the answer to my question - Would two 250w [acronym:d181787f90="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:d181787f90] lamps be too much for a planted [acronym:d181787f90="Freshwater"]FW[/acronym:d181787f90] tank? I'm converting from [acronym:d181787f90="Saltwater"]SW[/acronym:d181787f90] to [acronym:d181787f90="Freshwater"]FW[/acronym:d181787f90], and want a heavily planted tank, I figure the more light the better, right? But I am new to planted [acronym:d181787f90="Freshwater"]FW[/acronym:d181787f90] tanks. Thanks for any advice.

- Chris

[ccCapt]

[acronym:0f84cb9f1c="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:0f84cb9f1c]'s are used for growing plants, but I think they use a lower Kelvin rated bulb...something in the 4300 range I believe. What size tank? I would think tho, that no matter what size it is, with 2 250's you can grow a jungle. Just be sure to have them high enough over the water and/or good ventilation so it doesn't overheat your water.

[Holokai]

Why yes, a jungle IS my intention
Ventilation is handled by 4 very LARGE fans.. I can place my hand an inch away from the bulb and it's cooler than room temperature I bet I'd still get a nice sun tan though I do have access to about 100 6500k Bulbs, so we'll see about that too. Thanks for the info.

I read somewhere on here that the more light you have, the more [acronym:e099fdbef9="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:e099fdbef9] you need? whats taht all about? and would I need an ungodly amount?

[malkore]

when you hit 2 watts per gallon, you really need to start injecting [acronym:c08fe3b429="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:c08fe3b429]. Plants need 3 things: light, [acronym:c08fe3b429="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:c08fe3b429] and food. All three have to be in balance, or you have problems. With strong light and good food (i.e. fertilizing), but no [acronym:c08fe3b429="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:c08fe3b429], you'll grow plants and wicked amounts of algae. Without [acronym:c08fe3b429="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:c08fe3b429] the plants can't grow fast enough to use up all the ferts, so the algae takes over that job.

You still haven't mentioned the size of your tank, but I'm assuming it's pretty good size. You'll have to get the parts for a pressurized [acronym:c08fe3b429="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:c08fe3b429] setup. A 5-10pound [acronym:c08fe3b429="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:c08fe3b429] cylinder, a regulator (get a Milwaukee All in One), and something to diffuse the [acronym:c08fe3b429="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:c08fe3b429] into the water.

[Holokai]

Sorry, I meant to add that it is a 75 gallon tank.

So these [acronym:e58871d813="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:e58871d813] parts, what cost am I looking at? The reason I am leaving [acronym:e58871d813="Saltwater"]SW[/acronym:e58871d813] is cost... I'll look up some [acronym:e58871d813="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:e58871d813] plans if there are any. thanks.

- Chris

[madasafish]

Whoo.... 500W on a 75G tank (6.6 [acronym:325201144d="Watts Per Gallon"]wpg[/acronym:325201144d]) is a heck of a lot for a planted tank. People seldom exceed 5 [acronym:325201144d="Watts Per Gallon"]wpg[/acronym:325201144d]. You may have a lot of algae as a result... Also, the fish might be a little stressed by the light level.

And yes, with light that high, plants will grow extremely fast, and will need a lot of [acronym:325201144d="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:325201144d].

[Holokai]

Actually, it will be 580 because of the [acronym:77e10aae56="Normal Output Fluorescents"]NO[/acronym:77e10aae56] lights as well. So, 7.7 [acronym:77e10aae56="Watts Per Gallon"]wpg[/acronym:77e10aae56]. Is this WAY too much? I figure I'll be making the [acronym:77e10aae56="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:77e10aae56] system found here ->http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html

will it be able to support the [acronym:77e10aae56="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:77e10aae56] I need? I was planning on two 2 litter generators, maybe 3.

You really need to go with a pressurized [acronym:8e9db3e486="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:8e9db3e486] system with that kind of light. You should be able to put together a decent system for less than $150, one-time expense. then 10-15 bucks for refills on your co2, never more frequntly than 6 months. All my tanks last 8 months or more.

You'll need more like 5-6 two liter [acronym:8e9db3e486="Do it yourself"]diy[/acronym:8e9db3e486] setups to keep up with a 75 gallon, and that's with light ranges I'm familiar with. you'll soon spend the $150 on sugar alone. At least within a year I would say.

7.7 [acronym:8e9db3e486="Watts Per Gallon"]wpg[/acronym:8e9db3e486] is so far out of any range I've ever heard of, I don't even know what to say (other than use SPF 45 sunscreen). Any chance you could just use one of the Halides? I have a 45 gallon tank lit with a 175 halide. You would likely have the same issue I do of unbalanced lighting. My halide is to the left of center on this tank, leaving a bright area to the left, and a darker area to the right. I just use this as different zones for planting, have some lower light plants on the right side, high light to the left.
Just some things to consider.

[Holokai]

7.7 is low for a Reef Tank, which is what this was. My only other choice due to price constraints is [acronym:99bc9790aa="Normal Output Fluorescents"]NO[/acronym:99bc9790aa] fluorescent bulbs. I can wire up 240w of those, if that would be better than using the 500w [acronym:99bc9790aa="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:99bc9790aa] (this is so ****ed frustrating!!! I spent so much moeny to get these bright lights!!!! )

Would 240w of [acronym:99bc9790aa="Normal Output Fluorescents"]NO[/acronym:99bc9790aa] lights be decent enough? work's out to 3.2 [acronym:99bc9790aa="Watts Per Gallon"]wpg[/acronym:99bc9790aa].

Thanks - Chris

Would 240w of [acronym:67974e3aa3="Normal Output Fluorescents"]NO[/acronym:67974e3aa3] lights be decent enough? work's out to 3.2 [acronym:67974e3aa3="Watts Per Gallon"]wpg[/acronym:67974e3aa3].

Plenty, you could grow almost any plant you want.

7.7 is low for a Reef Tank, which is what this was.

Wow, just shows how little I know about [acronym:67974e3aa3="Saltwater"]SW[/acronym:67974e3aa3], reefs especially!