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Hi All,

A follow up question after the previous T5 query.
I am now looking at keeping the 6' light fixture (2x30w globes) and adding a small halide light. The tank is only 18" deep.
I don't want to spend a fortune but would like some better growth of my plants.

These are the lights that I am considering:

150W metaL HALIDE FITTING WITH 10000K

A MUST HAVE FOR YOUR AQUARIUM AT THE BEST PRICE

Brand New metal Halide Fitting with 4 x 24W globes
This Fitting is 640 Long. It comes complete with all globes and fittings to hang it up
1 x 150W 10 000K UV Block Globe + 4 x NEW T5 High Output 24W T5 Globes at no charge.
This Fitting Has The Newest Electronic Technology T5 Ballasts.
2 Individual Power Cords For metal Halide on one cord, And T5 Lamps on one For Full Control.
This Fitting Will Bring Out The Best in Your Aquarium. A Must For Your Marine Or Plant Aquarium.
Unit comes with 2 x 10k & 2 X ACTINIC 24w T5 Globes, 1 X 10k 150w metaL HALIDE GLOBE

400W metaL HALIDE FITTING

400W metal Halide Fitting . LB-50

Made of hi-quality aluminum to prevent rust and German quality reflector.

This Fitting is 50cm Long. It comes complete with all fittings to hang it up

Uses 1 x 400W 14 000K UV Block single ended GES Globe .

This Fitting Has The Newest Ballasts.

This Fitting Will Bring Out The Best in Your Aquarium. A Must For Your Marine Or Plant Aquarium

400W Clamp-On metal Halide with Fan 20,000K

The HD series of metal Halide light units are the personification of aquarium style. The elegant design will enhance any aquarium set up.
The metal halide lamp provides the complete light spectrum and is the perfect balance for healthy plant, coral and fish growth.
With a clamp-on design it can be easily mounted on any glass aquarium.
The built in (Ajustable) cooling fan reduces the heat gain caused by lighting and both the fan and lamp are controlled by an external ballast system.
With water tight cable seals, the ballast come fused for safety and safeguard against shorting and voltage spikes.

Specifications:
- 400W Lamp
- External Ballast
- 20,000K Bulb
- Dual-Switches
- Built in Adjustable Fan


Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks again,

Hi,
MH lamps run extremely hot, and can affect the tank temp
and even the temp of the room. They are expensive to
purchase, to run, and the bulbs must be replaced at least
annually. On top of all that they don't normally come in
the correct "K" rating for plant growth.

Frankly, I think you are "walking right by" the solution.
With your 6 ft tank, I would use either Compact flourscents
or the T-5 bulbs you were exploring in an earlier post.
In either case, unless you DIY a hood, sockets, ballasts
wiring and bulbs, you are still looking at an appreciable
sum to get the desired Watts Per Gallon. Your goal should
be to reach around 2 wpg or slightly above. That will
get you growing all the low light demand plants and
all, or nearly all, of the medium light demand plants.

With four 96 watt CF's running between 8800 and
10,000K you should have a nicely growing planted tank.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks for your help.

I'm sold!!!