MH for 125G 6x1.5x1.5' tank - FW Planted

[taekwondodo]

I am convinced I want MH on my FW Planted tank, but have a couple of issues. I am thinking of going with a two or three 150 or 175W mogel or 150W DE kit at 6700K retro from hellolights.com...

The biggest issue is that I only have about 7-8" of clearance between the top of the water and the bottom of the top of the hood. Will this be enough clearance?

Thanks.

- Jeff

p.s., I am a reefer too, hence the membership... and believe I'll get better MH advice here than in a FW forum (MH? What's that?)). Seriously, most[\u] fw planted tanks use PCs, some T5HO (becoming more popular), and occasionally, MH - but I think the feedback I'll get back from the reefing community will be more complete.

 

[Reeferdude]

IMHO 8" is enough but most will say at least 10 no more than 15 or something like that. Having said that however, It's been my experience that most FW tanks don't use metal halides because there just isn't a need for them and they would waste energy, add too much light that may cause excessive algae growth and or be harmful to the fish, unless they wear sunglasses. LOL. In a reef system corals need light for photosynthesis. In a FW your plants are fine without halides.

 

[taekwondodo]

Plants grow best under halides (wonder why pot growers don't use more power-compacts or T5s??? ) - better PAR than just about anything (without having to mix lots of bulb types).

Seriously, I can get T5s with 8K bulbs that can do a great job too - but I'm really wanting that reef-like shimmer-effect.

Anyway, I'm hoping the 8" will do.

Thanks...

 

[Scooterman]

You should be fine for your needs, my reef is about 9" off the water but that mainly because of heat.

 

[Reeferdude]

Plants grow best under halides (wonder why pot growers don't use more power-compacts or T5s??? ) - better PAR than just about anything (without having to mix lots of bulb types).

Seriously, I can get T5s with 8K bulbs that can do a great job too - but I'm really wanting that reef-like shimmer-effect.

Anyway, I'm hoping the 8" will do.

Thanks...

Well then by all means use them, you've already said your convinced so there's no need to justify it, it's all good and by all means put them babies in there. I'm merely saying any system at some point could provide elements far beyond what's necessary to maintain a healthy environment and enter the realm of excess. It can happen with lighting, skimming, filtration, population ect. My halide is only about six inches from the surface because of lack of room in my hood but it works just fine...When you're done with the conversion let us know how it's working. Plant growth, heat ect...

PS. I'm not saying your plan is excessive...

 

[trido]

IMO three 150s will grow your weeds like crazy given the proper nutrients. Your poor little FW fish may go blind but "what the hey?". With a 32" deep tank, 150s and 6700K Im sure you will have a very nice planted tank. I run my 250s over the reef from 8-12" depending on my mood.

 

[taekwondodo]

I got two 175W on a 5' hamilton, with 2 VHOs.

It's all set-up for reef, so I'll need to change out the bulbs.

 

[ecobalance]

over two watts per gallon

On a planted aquarium,staying at or less than 2 watts per gallon will limit the need for co2.The more light the greater the need for it. This one i put two 35'' Tek lights by Sunlight supply,4x39 HO each,and it is quite bright.