MH lighting for 20g

[Sweetpea]

I am looking at this light (24") for my new 20g... what do you think? I don't want to bake my tank, but I don't want to have too much of a limit on what I can keep in it.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12779&N=2004+113352

Comments are welcome and appreciated!

[Fatman]

Looks like you'll bake it with those monsters. Those look more like 30g+ lights.

How about these?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12112&N=2004+113352

150W (Instead of 280W) and then you can add the actenics. One or two w/e you want.

[Sweetpea]

Thanks! I've never seen a blue MH before... have you used them?

The light I was looking at is 150w MH with 2 x 65w actinics. The blue MH is 150 w too. I'm assuming that any MH is going to have to be hung from the ceiling... could I hang it high enough to not bake the tank, or would I loose to much light penetration?

[Fatman]

Thanks! I've never seen a blue MH before... have you used them?

The light I was looking at is 150w MH with 2 x 65w actinics. The blue MH is 150 w too. I'm assuming that any MH is going to have to be hung from the ceiling... could I hang it high enough to not bake the tank, or would I loose to much light penetration?

I didnt read that (the 2x65W actinics part) I think then that will be fine, and about 6 inches above the tank would be fine. Someone will chime in if they think other wise, but for a 20 gal I think that should be ok.

[perpetual98]

That's a nice fixture and a good price too.

[jerryc]

I thank you will be fine with it you will wont to set it as high as possible to
start. Maybe use some screen to accumulate to start
We used to have a club member with a 400 over a 20 high he had
it for a long time till he moved don't no if its still up.
haven't heard from him for sometime.

[Sweetpea]

Thanks guys! The fixture comes with legs to mount it on the tank, and it also comes with a suspension system. If possible, I'd rather not hang it, but I will if I need to. I haven't found a site yet that tells how high the mounting legs are, but the PC lights I have now are made by the same company - the legs raise the fixture 2 1/4 inches above the tank frame.

What do you think about running the new fixture during the tank cycle to see if it gets too hot? Today I bought a digital thermometer/monitor that has low/high temp alarms on it...

[jerryc]

Get a 4'' are 6'' clip on fan to use if Temp gets too high

[dakar]

I say give it a whirl.... If you ask me there is no such thing as too much light for a reef tank, just poor aclimation methods that cause problems. During the cycle you may see a tremendous algae bloom if you run them too long as nutrient levels will be quite high. But a couple three days to check temps should be okay, you can always run the tank dark for a week or so to rid the system of any algae for the rest of the cycle.

If I didn't think Angel would crown me, I'd change up the 3x400w for 3x1000w halides on the 180 :D

[Sweetpea]

Thanks guys for your help!


If I didn't think Angel would crown me, I'd change up the 3x400w for 3x1000w halides on the 180 :D

Aww, she wouldn't do that, would she? ;)

[Sparky]

i have the 24" 280 watt orbit on my 37 gallon. I really like it!! and got it from doctors at the same price. i had to cover half the MQI section with tin foil beacuse it was too bright. it might be a bit much for a 20 gallon tank?

Good luck with you purchase!

[Sweetpea]

I'm glad to know you like it ... it's always nice to know someone else has tried and likes something before you buy it!

Are you using the mounting legs or the suspension system? I may end up hanging the light rather than placing it on the tank... I guess I'll figure it out when it gets here! ;)

[Sparky]

I am using the mounting legs for now. Its' nice it comes with both options and also comes with two timers. the fan is really quiet and the lunar lights are cool. I like that fact that it all comes in one nice clean package. Looks really sharp no need for a canopy. It has work out so well. I plan on putting the 60" orbit on my 140 gallon i am setting up later this year :D

[segraves1]

as long as you have a fan and don't mind adding water every day, you can get away with it......I have a 250Watt MH over my 20gal (I'm going to get a 100gal this summer and only wanted to buy lights once)....