Metal Halide Advice

[KingTriton]

So Ive always been a T5 guy, but on my next upcoming build I really wanted to utilize the MH and T5 combo. Im not wanting to exchange MH's for LEDS. The problem is I know nothing about MHs. All the info seems to be heavily dated with MH fixtures that are no longer in the market.

My tank will be 96 x 33-36 x 27-30. Will I need 250W or 400W?

Can anyone give me an idea of best Metal Halide Fixtures? I can't seem to decide on the spacing and whether 12'', 14'',16'', or 20'' fixtures will be best. I plan on adding 2 t5s on each side.

Also does anyone knows many fixtures I will I needing? Im having a hard time finding info on MH coverage with the newer MH fixtures.

Sorry for all the questions, but hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

@mcarroll
The right directionator.

 

[alton]

I use 250w SE Radiums and Phoenix 14K SE lamps in three Lumenbright minis on my 300DD 72" x 36" x 27" tall. With yours at 96" four would work fine. I have a metal frame that holds the pendants 8" off the top of the aquarium. I get a PAR reading of 200 to 250 on the 2" sand bed.

 

[KingTriton]

I use 250w SE Radiums and Phoenix 14K SE lamps in three Lumenbright minis on my 300DD 72" x 36" x 27" tall. With yours at 96" four would work fine. I have a metal frame that holds the pendants 8" off the top of the aquarium. I get a PAR reading of 200 to 250 on the 2" sand bed.

Glad to here you are getting that kind of PAR out of the 250W. Curious what dimensions are the MH reflectors that you are using? 20''x20''?

By the way, welcome to R2R. I use to follow some of your threads back when I was active in RC. :)

 

[KingTriton]

I missed the Lumenbright minis. Looks like 16x16. Thanks

 

[alton]

At first I thought about going with the larger 20" ones, but the minis work well.

 

[KingTriton]

At first I thought about going with the larger 20" ones, but the minis work well.

Yea I like the 16''. It will give me more room for the T5s.