Metal halide to much?

[neil_04]

K so my tank has been up for a year since the big move and upgrade to the 90g w sump, which is going great. My question is Ab my light fixture I have a 48 aqualight pro with two mh. First problem is I fry timers, they work for Ab 3-6 months then the dial will get sticky and spun broken as u spin, do I need a better timer? The last one broke Ab a week and a half ago so my acintics and 4 lunar LEDs have been the only thing on, my coral mostly the mushroom colony are doing much better and I'm growing coralline like nvr before just wanted input maybe I took the wrong route w the metal halide and need to downgrade

 

[TheCrazyFishLady]

About the timers, you have to get a higher wattage one. I got one of the outdoor timers that are meant for sprinkled systems. It was forty bucks, but I haven't had an issue since. I had a similar problem. Only one of my bulbs would turn on with the timer on, so I got a bigger one.

 

[LordErrorprone]

Metal Halide is out of date nowadays, Usually the way to go if you can afford Metal Halide is LED. Plus LED will save your electric bill.

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion.

 

[Fishguy2727]

I wouldn't say halides are out of date. IME they are the standard and LEDs are still tying to prove themselves. At best LEDs did exactly that this past year with a couple of the best models that are out right now, but I don't consider them tried and true enough to say metal halides are out of date.

I would try a higher quality timer. Double check the wattage they are made to handle.

I do not think you went overboard with the halides at all. That is exactly what I would have put on that tank. With halides I would try more stoney corals and clams.