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How do I move to MH?

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ReveX

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I have regular flouresent lighting right now. But I plan on getting more into reef. So I want to goto MH lighting.

I have a 60gal and want 2 250w MH bulbs. How should I do this? How much would this cost me? And where can I get good prices and equipment online for MH stuff?

Thx in advance,
ReveX
 
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apples

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Um,I think your talking about a sixty long right? Four feet long. I think this tank is too shallow to add anything more than 175's. I am running two 175's and 2 110 vho's and that is plenty of light for this tank. I can pretty much grow anything including sps with no problem. I get almost no ripples in the water from all the light so you should be alright with that setup. It's not that 250's wouldn't work, but I think it would be unnecessary. HTH and its just my opinion. Plus, replacement lamps are much cheaper. :)
 
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mountainbiker619

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you would need a chiller due to the heat the 250's would put off.
I would go with a pair of 175's, with atleast 12 inches between the light and water line.
 
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ReveX

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Alright thanks. Could you give me a list of all that I would need considering that I am going to make a lid and hang it from there. I plan on making the lid about 6-8inchs from the top of the tank. Is that enough room?

In the list, can you include all that I would need for this(ex. ballast, lights, etc...) Don't leave anything out ;)

Thanks ALOT everyone! :D
 
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apples

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Sorry, this is just my opinion, but, I think your trying to squeeze too much into a small space. You will have to have the lights a minimum of about 8 inches off of the water surface. If you don't have a cover for the lights or a lid, maybe even more. I small splash can cause your lights to blow, and that would suck for you and your animals. Your lid should be no less than 12 inches tall. Don't forget that you need some room between the bulb and the lid too. MH's make considerable amounts of heat and anything too close can and will get incinerated, if not immediatly, over time. So make sure there is enough space between the bulb and the water and between the bulb and the lid. You may have to add some fans to this setup just so you don't burn things up, including the lid. I hope this helps.
 
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freedom75

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I have my 175 16 inches off the water with a good set of reflectors. ANd they will still get water splashes on them every so often . When you put them in also make you a port on each side of your hood and mount a fan in one side pulling out. this way you will pull the heat out of the hood and it will help kep the water from getting 2 hot. I use a PC power supply fan you can find them at most computer stores. they are cheap also I use a old 12v power supply for an answering mache to run it . the DC is a little easier to deal with around water. If your water is still 2 hot add another fan beside that one and it should help control heat

John Wray
 
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