Why I choose to still run Metal Halides over my Reef…for now.

Come check out why I am still sticking with metal halide lighting over my reef tank.

[jerrymoney]

That’s the truth you are speaking especially being super forgiving . I have been using MH since 1995 and never once I burn my Corals even if the corals are not at their best . It heals quickly and repair amazingly. I bought 40 PCs of the 10K bulbs of 250watts because I want to reef out till I am 80 years olds even if they phase out someday soon . Great video!

[coralmania]

Great video! I agree with all that was said about MH driven systems. I've been in this hobby for roughly 25 years and have ran every lighting system on the market throughout those years. I'm currently running full LED's on my 150 gallon and 25 gallon SPS dominant systems (Radions and AI Hydras). Don't get me wrong, LED's are pretty amazing at growing corals and have come quite a long way from back in the days, but it's lacking that something...that "pop" that MH bulbs just have and is difficult to replicate (although Kessils do come close). I just dug out some old 250 and 400 watt Radium setups I had stored away in my crawl space. I'm planning on running one of these over a 55 gallon that's been sitting empty for quite a few years. I've been eyeing that Giesemann Spectra 24" fixture but can seem to be able to source it from the US. I might just go with a hydroponic reflector/fixture. Quick question, what kind of brackets did you use to mount the LED bars to your Giesemann fixture?

[gospelofrye]

I last had MH back in 2011. 500W. The energy bill was crippling. In summer, the chiller ran constantly and I still needed a fan. Fan increased evap so I was refilling the ATO every three days. On a 3x2x2 tank. I had the MH on the tank while my first gen Vertex Illumina was in the shop for a failed LED module. That was a nice fitting but so glitchy.

[TrevorHiller]

I was always tempted to try metal halide as I think LED is over hyped but it seemed like the Radium bulbs were a thing of the past and surely the most popular bulb which put me off of them. Now I see that Aquarium Specialty is stocking the Radium 20K bulbs in 250 & 400 watt. Just an FYI for those interested. I might have to look into getting a halide fixture in the future to see what all the hype is about!

[jackson]

Love the video. From one halide user to another, I concur! FYI the aqua bright solutions bulb looks identical to radiums. I have them running side by side and can't tell the difference.

[איתיכדורגל-מס]

What type of ballasts do you run your Mh ? looks awesome!

[ttown]

The shimmer is the absolute best with the halide.

[mrschnigglepoo]

How did you mount that Acropora on the overflow box? Fantastic idea! I’d like to do something like that.

[lovermansmith]

Nice 😊 . What T 5. Bulbs to run ?

[lovermansmith]

Hate to keep bothering ya . But would you please tell me about your led strip lights 😊

[todd]

Great explanation and argument for MH. Unrelated observation but your Reefbrite looking LED strips appear to be aimed at an awkward angle. They look over-angled and pointed at the opposite glass. Probably getting some excellent reflection off that glass and maybe it's intentional, but I've always tried aiming my led strips towards the coral.

[jonathanstephens]

Do you keep high ish nutrients for such high par?

[Dibilibix]

So 6 hours of MH running? How about the t5 and led? 12? 10 t5 12 led?