metal halide suggestions for low canopy

[richardhmc]

I just bought a canopy that has only 5 inches in height. It is a very low canopy and I want to do a two 150w metal halide setup over a 50 gallon tank which is 36 x 18 x 18.

The only metal halide I found low in height was this
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...T1413&tab=1&option1=150 watt&option2=14,000 K

however, it is a bit pricey when compared to other reflectors that are half that price. Why is this so expensive?

Are there any other setups sold that are low in height? Thanks!

 

[Mikei70]

How about an all-in-one unit?

Something like this maybe: http://www.aquasythe.com/Products/36%E2%80%9D-SunPod-2x150W-HQIbr-Fixture-by-Current-USA__LT-CT-SP-36-150.aspx

EDIT: reflectors from same site: http://www.aquasythe.com/Products/1...eflector-with-Lens__LT-TAM-MH-REF-HQI150.aspx

 

[richardhmc]

How about an all-in-one unit?

Something like this maybe: http://www.aquasythe.com/Products/3...-Fixture-by-Current-USA__LT-CT-SP-36-150.aspx

I was looking at that but the sunpod is discontinued and also I want to try to make it my own setup and attach it to the canopy. Trying to go for 2 150w metal halides and 2 Blue LED strips.

So now im looking for reflectors

 

[Mikei70]

Oh ok.

Did you catch my edit above?

 

[richardhmc]

Oh ok.

Did you catch my edit above?

oh wow thats cheap. Im a little skeptical as to how well built it is though...

 

[richardhmc]

Is it a must for metal halides to have that UV glass to cover it? Because I see reflectors that are just like a plain piece of bent reflector with no glass

 

[Mikei70]

Same one on AquaCave: http://www.aquacave.com/150w-metal-halide-hqibr-parabolic-reflector-with-lens-1536.html

The reflector itself is just a piece of polished aluminum, so I wouldn't worry too much about that, but if the socket looks cheap you could switch it out and still be way ahead of the game.

 

[Mikei70]

Is it a must for metal halides to have that UV glass to cover it? Because I see reflectors that are just like a plain piece of bent reflector with no glass

The double-ended bulbs need UV glass.

The single-ended do not-- they have bulbs made out of UV glass.

 

[richardhmc]

The double-ended bulbs need UV glass.

The single-ended do not-- they have bulbs made out of UV glass.

thanks for clearing that up! I was wondering what the difference was.

Oh wow now I can do a lot of with this.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...t-supply-reef-optix-2-retrofit-reflector.html

so what about like this? its a single bulb socket with a reflector. only thing is that to me it looks super flimsy but that should be fine right? It should have good reflection?

 

[Mikei70]

thanks for clearing that up! I was wondering what the difference was.

Oh wow now I can do a lot of with this.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...t-supply-reef-optix-2-retrofit-reflector.html

so what about like this? its a single bulb socket with a reflector. only thing is that to me it looks super flimsy but that should be fine right? It should have good reflection?

Looks good, but I'd be worried about it having no glass cover that close to the tank. When the bulb is running it gets hot-- any water splashed on it will cause it to shatter.

 

[richardhmc]

Looks good, but I'd be worried about it having no glass cover that close to the tank. When the bulb is running it gets hot-- any water splashed on it will cause it to shatter.

Alright thanks!

so whats the difference between http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...t-supply-reef-optix-2-retrofit-reflector.html

and

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...ght-supply-lumen-max-elite-mogul-fixture.html

is it the brand name? design? does the more expensive one give better reflection?

 

[Mikei70]

Alright thanks!

so whats the difference between http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...t-supply-reef-optix-2-retrofit-reflector.html

and

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...ght-supply-lumen-max-elite-mogul-fixture.html

is it the brand name? design? does the more expensive one give better reflection?

The closed-end reflectors focus the light more, while the open-ended ones cover a wider area. To me, it still doesn't explain such a huge price difference.

Check out this link: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/feature.htm

 

[richardhmc]

Would 2 150watt metal halides over an 18 inch tank be good enough for sps?

 

[jrobbins]

The 150's will be fine but I would be really worried about putting the fixtures that close to the water. You could try cutting holes in the top of the canopy and mounting the reflectors externally.

As for the two links you put up, I own both of those units and they are sitting in my closet. The lumenmax is a killer reflector, but either one would be fine. Only thing is that both reflectors would be partially submerged if you only have 5 inches of clearance.

 

[THEDLO]

Only thing is that both reflectors would be partially submerged if you only have 5 inches of clearance.

lol small problem....imo

 

[Lenny718]

The 150's will be fine but I would be really worried about putting the fixtures that close to the water. You could try cutting holes in the top of the canopy and mounting the reflectors externally.

+1 I would also mount the reflectors above the canopy. Having the lights that close to the water is a disaster waiting to happen.