Metal Halid/t5 Question for new build

[jason1985]

This weekend I am starting to build a canaopy for a buddy of mine. His tank dimensions are 48x19x24 so 90gallon.

He wants to keep all types of coral...

We are doing a DIY lighting setup so here are my questions.

2x 250w metal halid one on each side of the tank and 2x 48" t5 Actinic
or
2 x 400w metal halid one on each side of the tank and 2x 48" t5 Actinic
(is this overkill?)
or
1 x 400w or 250w metal halid in the middle of the canopy and 2x 48" t5 Actinic

I was told that if I buy a single Metal Halid and install it in the middle of the canopy there will be reflection due to the fact the light will be shinning down on the cross brace that is ontop of the tank.

I will be placing my order with aquacave

 

[Innovator]

2 x 250w is more than sufficient, go with option 1.

 

[jason1985]

now what is the big difference between single ended and double ended? I see the double ended HQI bulbs have slimmer reflectors. The With is thinner and better for under the hood but will i have any advantages with either of the two?

 

[mdaniel2882]

now what is the big difference between single ended and double ended? I see the double ended HQI bulbs have slimmer reflectors. The With is thinner and better for under the hood but will i have any advantages with either of the two?

I was told by an electrician that HQI bulbs produce MUCH more heat. It may be an issue in a canopy

 

[ccCapt]

Depending on the bulbs you choose (and there is a giant variation between bulbs), you can use either 2 x 175w or 2 x 250w. 400w is overkill for that size tank.

now what is the big difference between single ended and double ended? I see the double ended HQI bulbs have slimmer reflectors. The With is thinner and better for under the hood but will i have any advantages with either of the two?

The only difference is a DE bulb must be used with a reflector that has a UV shield where a SE bulb is already incased in a UV shield. There is no difference in heat output.

 

[jason1985]

It terms of better light reflection wich would be best?

 

[ccCapt]

Depends on the reflector, not the bulb. For example, you can get a Lumenarc III that will work with either a DE or SE and there will be no difference between the 2.

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion forum.

 

[jason1985]

Depending on the bulbs you choose (and there is a giant variation between bulbs), you can use either 2 x 175w or 2 x 250w. 400w is overkill for that size tank.


The only difference is a DE bulb must be used with a reflector that has a UV shield where a SE bulb is already incased in a UV shield. There is no difference in heat output.

If it was you buying. What ones would you purchase?

Metal Halide Retro Kits

 

[ccCapt]

I would pick this 1 and add the XM 20k bulbs and the Lumenarc III Mini reflectors.
AquaMedic Dual 250W MetalHalide Retro Kit withElectronic Ballast - AquaCave

 

[jason1985]

that looks good. hope i can fit that along with 2 t5 under my canopy

 

[jason1985]

ok the canopy is done. stained and lighting works good. I didnt use a hinge system for the top cover of the canopy. I will simply remove the top when I need to work inside the tank.

Will post pics later