WRXminion

I was told that you can put a Metal Haliod bulb of the same wattage in a HPS fixture. This got me thinking, 1) is this true? 2) Would this be a cheaper way to an awsome fish tank light? 3) What would a HPS light do to a fish tank? I found set ups up to 140,000 lumens, and 1,000 watts for like 250.... Would this burn a fish tank? or give off to much heat?

Jay

Wow,
I have no experience, nor have I done any reading on HPS light. I seem to recollect that it is a strange color, but I am not sure.

Sorry I can not help on this one

Regards,
Jay

WRXminion

HPS is used for hydroponic plants, It's in the red spectrum. Aparently it's better for growing plants. I'm guessing that would not look great, but still, for $150 for 600 watts

Jay

Read the post "actinic light" a few posts down from yours in the planted tank forum. It has some useful information about planted aquarium light.

Hydroponic and Aquarium plant growing is not apples and apples.

I would take a look at HPS light on an aquarium to see if I could live with the color before I buy it.

It is the intensity of light in the 400 to 700 nanometer range that fires photosynthesis, you can grow aquarium plants with shop lights from Sears. Never let anyone sell you "special" = more expensive plant bulbs which produce just exactly the spectrum you need to be successful. Come here kid and look at these babies, only $70

Watts per gallon (intensity) is the other important factor. 2 WPG minimum 3+ medium
5 high light. 5 WPG is generally accepted as the max for a planted tank.
Going over 5 WPG usually encourages serious algae problems.

My tank is heavily planted and I run 3.5 WPG 6 hours with a 2 hour "noon burst" of 4.5 WPG for a total an 8 hour photo-period. I use power compact fluorescent tubes in two Coralife fixtures.



Regards,
Jay

ronyee

Hi, first post so I hope I do this correctly

HPS and Metal Halide fixtures are generally not compatible and those found in hydroshops are generally the mogul base kind. Hydroponic growers usually use both with MH for the vegetation process and HPS for the flowering cycle. That being said I have a MH mogul fixture over my 58 gallon planted tank and it has been wonderful. Generally Hydroponic shops have been great in my experience for finding alot of good lighting sources if you dont mind doing some modifications or diy hoods, lots of home hydroponic people like to upgrade so they always have really chep used fixtures. I picked up my 250w metal halide with ballast and reflector for 50 bucks from a guy walking out with a 1000w
Hope this helps
Cheers
Ron

Jay

Hi Ron and Welcome to the Forum

Good information!

I like the way MH light looks in a tank, a unique shimmer, but have always been turned off by the price. The Hydro guys is a good tip, thanks.

Regards,
Jay

ronyee

Thanks for the welcome! MH's have always been my favorite. Best part is when you want to upgrade it is really easy to turn into a hydroponic setup and start growing herbs and veggies in the winter. Fresh Basil in Minnesota in January is another pleasure all unto itself
Cheers