150 w metal halide on an oceanic 37 ???

mmd · #1 07/21/2007, 08:17 AM

i have the opportunity to buy a used aqua medic ocean light pendant 150 watts
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i would put it over my oceanic 37 (24" long by 18" wide).
i would use either 14k or 20k bulbs
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im currently using 4 t5's
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i know its a bit low but i will not go higher than 150 watts as im keeping my tank low tech, i figured since my corals for the most part are in the center i would be ok
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heres a pic of current set up w/t5
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any comments, any pics of a similar layout ?
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InLimbo87 · #2 07/21/2007, 08:31 AM

How many watts does 4 T5 Bulbs equate to? You may find that the par may actually be higher using the t5's versus the MH's...

mmd · #3 07/21/2007, 08:39 AM

24w each

checkinhawk · #4 07/21/2007, 09:16 AM

i had a oceanin 37 RR setup last year,used an outer orbits 150mh/pc fixture.i was able to keep SPS and clams under the light.i think you will be happy with the setup you have.

mmd · #5 07/21/2007, 10:11 AM

did the orbit also have pc's or just a mh ?

melev · #6 07/22/2007, 10:29 PM

With 14,000K you'll get more PAR than you will with 20,000K.

20000 Kelvin bulbs tend to make the corals look prettier (think Reefermadness.com) but 10,000K trends toward better growth rates. A 14000K bulb may be the perfect 'middle' spectrum, with slower growth.

Which is probably a good idea for a nano tank since you don't have a lot of room to spare and want to enjoy it for a long time.

GobyJohnKenobi · #7 07/22/2007, 10:51 PM

I have a 30 Cube ( 20" x 18" ) with a 150W 14K Hamilton on a magnetic ballast.

To me, it looks great and all my softies and LPS seem very happy.

mmd · #8 07/23/2007, 05:42 AM

thank you all, i bought it and hope to pick it up in the next 2 wx