[fishguy_8]

Hi, well i found a fairly inexpensive mh *used 4mon* system for sale. Its icecap and im going to give the guy a holler. but i was wondering if the mh would be too much over my 45g tank? im planning on moving into a larger tank this year so i would just store it until then if its too much. just wondering thanks guys.
Jon

[Poseidon]

I guess I would need to know more about the used set up. Keep in mind most MH bulbs are only good for 12 months TOPS!! Most are replaced in 6-8 month range. I would look closely at buying used over new. Especially when a HQI e-ballast from Ice cap is just over $100.00. I think I saw a Coral Vue set, bulb ballast and reflector for around $180.00, that uses an electronic ballast too....

[fishguy_8]

really...180 thats not out of my range really thats right about what im wanting to spend ...any idea where you saw those kind of prices. the thing i was worrying about on my tank is right now its mostly softies/lps/low light corals so i was worried about a) bleaching and b) evaporation.
thanks Mike.
Jon

[Poseidon]

Yup.... I found it

Here

It says it is sold out, so I'd keep checking.

[fishguy_8]

thanks alot.

[fishguy_8]

so no matter which way i go this shouldnt be a problem to put on my tank then?

[Reefland]

What are the dimensions of the tank Jon? If over 2 feet, the metal halide will nto light the entire tank but that will be ok as long as you have some tubes (VHO, PC's) that cover the entire length.

The other potential problem could be heat so make sure the tank is ventilated well and make sure to monitor the temp. of the tank very closely when you first add it. Don't want to overheat the water and harm anything.

Scott Z.

[Poseidon]

I was thinking you have a 45 tall right? About the same dimension as a 29 gallon, 30" long by 12 wide by ?? tall. Then one MH would be good, except for the 3 inches on the outside edge of the tank, that would be considered indirect lighting, still pretty bright, just not as intense. If your 45 is a 4 ft tank then yuo would need 2 of those MH bulbs to get the coverage you need.

[fishguy_8]

ya its definitely not gonna be enough for the whole thing....its the same dimensions as a 55g tank...i have vho/pc still that i can use to suppliment the mh....main reason im wantin to get mh is i want to get some monti and possibly a capricorn. those are two of my favs....and i think the mh looks so much nicer. how far above the tank do you suspect id need to hang this....its going to be in a bell case i imagine. i have one of those laying around so ill probly put it in that since i dont have a canopy to toss it on. would it be better or worse to have lids on the tank?

[Poseidon]

I have mine about 7" above the water surface. With NO TOPS, mainly to help with heat. And INCREASE evaporation, so I can add more Kalk.