MH on a 29

[Demon]

In the process of setting up a 29 30x12x18 tank.
This will be a mixed reef with probably some sps mixed in after the tank matures. I was wondering would a single 150DE MH be enough? I will more than likely add 2 T5's also, depends on how things looks.
Any suggestions or comments on this setup?.

Thanks

[GSMguy]

decide whether you want t5s before you by your 150watt metal halide bulb so you knowwhether to get a blue or white bulb

[fishfanatic06]

I have a 29 gallon with the 175 watt metal halide reefsun pendant. It has a 14,000k bulb. I have had superb growth with my acropora colonies and everything else in there. I got the whole setup. The bulb, ballast, and pendant all for about 200 dollars at www.northcoastmarines.com

[fishfanatic06]

BTW, make sure you get some sort of fan to go with it to keep the heat level down. In the winter the tank temperature gets to about 78 degrees with the fan off. With the fan on it is about 75 to 76 degrees. I also have a 10 gallon sump too, so that helps with cooling the tank.

[SVXH6]

i had a SE250 over my 29.. growth and color was incredible.. 14K hamilton bulb on icecap electronic ballast..

[kase]

i had both 175(14k) and 250(20k) over a 29. both with icecap ballast
175 was perfect, and the 250 was just too much lights and heat open back canopy with 2 fans.

you won't need any actinics if you go with 14k bulbs. unless you like the glow at night..JMO.

[Demon]

with the 175 how was the tank lighting as far as coverage? Was the one MH bulb enough coverage for the 30 inch tank? No dark sides? I have the wooden canopy so the lighting would be mounted there...The inside top of the canopy will be about 8-9in above the water.

Thanks for the replys and keep them coming.

[kase]

no there wasn't any dark spot, beside in the caves. that where i keep the low lights corals. i had mine about 6-8" off the water suface.

are you planning to run SE or DE bulbs?
big diffrent bettween the 2.

[Goodwood]

I have a SE 175 on my 29 inside the canopy with a cheap plastic fan (made by Lasko cost $12) from Lowes. I run the light for 8 hours and it stays under 80. Coverage is perfect as any more than 30" might be pushing it. Oh yeah the fan is silent and thankfully because the tank is in my living room and any noise would drive me crazy.

[fishfanatic06]

With a 175, some of my sps thrive towards the bottom of the tank. Dark spots are no problem at all for me.

[Demon]

I have pretty much decided to go with the 175SE light....The only other thing I am still thinking about is a 150DE. I have a 70SE 14K Current sunpod on the tank now and looks pretty good now...So still not 100 percent sure what route to take.

[mr pink floyd]

i have asingle 150 HQI on my 29, mounted about 5" above the water, but the fixture only has a 4x4 area where light can escape, it covers all but probably 4" on each side, but this is only in the top corners, actinics cover that up

my SPS love it, i think its perfect

[GSMguy]

i had two 175watt pendants over my 29 heat was a small issue