150MH over a 5.5gal

[jbishop]

So thinking about a nano for work.

Would a 150watt MH be too much for a 5.5 gal?

Looking for a light setup but want something awesome.

Post away

 

[cobraz]

I would say a MH over a 5.5 gallon would equal 3 gallons in it's first day... the evap rate would be too high and the depth of the tank too low... IMO.
You could get almost the same results with 4 x t5 and still look awsome.

 

[cakemanPA]

That would make a nice seafood cooker. There are some small led fixtures that would work for that sized take too...

 

[Behrmon]

70 max imo.

 

[jbishop]

LED's = crazy money even if I build myself. I have not found T5's short enough for a 5.5 with no overhand, IMO that looks awful.

 

[Shenlung]

I know this probably will be greeted with many moans and much dismay, but have you looked at power compacts? With only 5.5g, they might give you enough light and they are definately small enough for the tank...

 

[jbishop]

yeah I was looking at 2 or 3 over it but haven't bit that bullet as i might want sps.

 

[stingythingy45]

Use Old Bay seasoning after adding water,Jared.

 

[Shenlung]

you do have a quandry, it would appear

What about this? a 5.5 is 16", this is an 18" T5 fixture...
http://www.marineandreef.com/Coralife_18_T5_Aqualight_Nova_18_inch_T5_Aquarium_Lighting_s/337.htm

 

[Sean Irwin]

They're other LED manufacturers that make more affordable systems.
You could check out
ECO-tech
http://www.eco-sell.com/services/eshop/main.php?action=list&lang=us&CatType=Category&CatID=1_2
or the Sun-brite system
http://www.exotic-aquarium.com/led.html

 

[jbishop]

LED's = crazy money even if I build myself. I have not found T5's short enough for a 5.5 with no overhand, IMO that looks awful.

you do have a quandry, it would appear

What about this? a 5.5 is 16", this is an 18" T5 fixture...
http://www.marineandreef.com/Coralife_18_T5_Aqualight_Nova_18_inch_T5_Aquarium_Lighting_s/337.htm

See above.....

No overhang not even 2"

 

[jbishop]

Sun-brite isn't too bad. Just have to have a hood to convert.

 

[stock04]

haha i actually did that. I used the icecap mh pendant. I had it 6" above my 5.5 gal and temp went up to 84 in an hour or so

 

[jbishop]

wow guess that's out

 

[Gardiner]

You might want to try a 70w MH. I have a Viper 70w that does a nice job over my frag tank.

 

[stock04]

wow guess that's out

You could have a fan going on it and raise it up a bit but that kind of defeats the purpose of using a 150w...unless you need to light up the room as well

 

[jcallesano]

if your only going with a 5.5 g..... you might as well just get a 6g nano cube with everything included and just upgrade the lighting to your preference. they make a 70w MH for that tank I believe. just a thought