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MH what do I need?

dan_k

dan_k

I have a 120 that is doing just great and I'm running T5s 8 tube but its time to buy bulbs and I wanted to give MH a try.
My tank is mostly SPS

I have a Hamilton fixture now that will fit perfect over the tank but I think it's rating is to small it has 2 175watt 14k bulbs and 2 T12 actinics

So if its to small what should I go with?
Tank size is 48-24-24
Thanks

The only reason I'm going to MH is because I like to see what it will do I ran them on my old tank and everything grew like crazy so I like to see how it does on my new set up
 
falconut

falconut

NJRC Member
My tank is a 90, 48Lx18Wx24H so pretty close to yours. I run (2) 250 Watt 20K's and they've been working great. I have more LPS and only a few SPS. I even kept blue maximas and a crocea clam on the sand with no problems. You could also look into 400 Watts, I've seen people run them on these tanks too, especially for higher kelvin bulbs.
 
dppitone

dppitone

It really depends on what you keep in the tank. If you're a mixed reef with fish, coralline rock, softies zoas and some LPS than one 400 watt 14k about 12" above would do a great job. I'm running one 400 watt on a 90 gallon mixed reef, which is the same as the 120 but with 6" less width, and it's just right.

If you are LPS and SPS and clams, I'd suggest two 250 watts moguls like falconut has. Or you can use that setup for the mixed reef two.
 
Fish Brain

Fish Brain

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I'd give the 175's a shot and see what they do. It wouldn't cost you anything since you already have the fixture. Otherwise, +1 to 2x 250's.


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ahvrivera

ahvrivera

+1 on the 2 250's. I have 3 250's over my 125 and they are more than enough. I have a mixed system. The reflectors also make a big difference. Lumenarc reflectors are one of the better ones in my opinion.
 
dppitone

dppitone

You can use the current double MH fixture, but dump the 175 watt ballasts and pick up two 250 watt ballast or one dual ballast and connect them to the fixtures moguls. You can get the ballasts for next to nothing.
 
mikem

mikem

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I agree with the 250's. My sps's grew best with them. Dont ever go with 400's. You can almost see the water trying to boil with them.
 
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