T5 Metal Halide Shiimmer

[rickynichols]

Hello,

I am currently running a 4 bulb T5 fixture. Back to Front

ATI Purple Plus
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

I want to add 2 - 150w metal halides (14k or 20k) for the shimmer effect. My current fixture is 7" front to back and the metal halide fixture is 13" front to back, both would sit on top of the tank with legs. I would put the halide fixture towards the back. The halide fixture I am looking at also has 2 built in T5's for actinic bulbs.

I am getting plenty of light from my T5's so my question is. Will the T5's drown out the shimmer or will I get the light from the T5 and the shimmer from the halides?

Thanks in advance.

Tank depth 24"

Livestock - Softies and Hardy LPS but am looking at getting a clam eventually. Lawnmower blenny, yellow tang, royal gramma, 2 clowns, cleaner shrimp, ton of snails.

[Original Fin]

Tagging along. Interested in this myself.

If I could just add to the OP's original question, how would supplemental LED's work in the same scenario, and what bearing would different colors and optics have on shimmer, if any?

[surf&turf]

My fixture has 4 T-5's and 2 150 DE MH. I get a good bit of shimmer with the T-5s on.

[110galreef]

the 4 t-5's will not drown out the shimmer of 2 150w MH's.

as long as you have good surface agitation you will be fine. You could also add some LED's if you just want shimmer and don't need a lot of excess light or heat.

Small DIY fixture would be perfect