SOS Metal Halide

[alfredshouse]

Hoping that some of you pros out there can help me out. I am new to this reef tank hobby. Ive had fresh water fish for many years though. I have a 160gallon tank with a Fluval FX5 canister with an inline heater. About 100lbs of live rock and I just added 100lbs of base rock. No skimmer yet and Im going to add a #4 Koraline this weekend. I want to add a Metal Halide light. I just dont want to spend $$$$$$$$$$$ if I dont have to. So my question is can I just go to a hydroponics store and buy a light and ballast there. I was thinking 2x 175watt at14K. Is this realistic? Please advise!!!

[truperc]

IMO You could buy a ballast at a hydroponic store but I doubt you would save much money. You definitely can't buy bulbs from them because they are not the right spectrum. We need to know the dimensions of your tank but I assume your tank is more than 24" deep. If this is the case a 175 watt would be ok for softies but probably not have the punch for sps unless they were very close to the surface. That lighting would be fine for a FOWLR.

Troy

[alfredshouse]

The tank is 72x28x18. I have mushrooms, kenya trees, finger leather, orange sponge and green star polyps and a purple tube anemone.

[mark]

Been awhile since in a Hydroponics store but little surprised they would have 14K, if so though temp should be okay.

Do take a look here through the Buy and Sell as often good deals and places like JL and OA can also find systems not too costly.

[chandigz]

A lot of hydroponics stores carry good bulbs(ours carry a full selection for reef use and even have tanks in the stores), If they don't have them they should be able to order them in. Check out Progresive Reef (Canreef sponsor) They are a division of Progressive Growth hydroponics. I think you would be better with 250's. They will be good for all types of coral. With the 175's you will be somewhat limited. Little more money but at least you you won't do what I did and spend a whole lot more upgrading.