Week 20: Metal Halide lighting and the reef tank: A recipe for success | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

http://brs.li/BRS160_Week20 Today’s episode is our second of five where we really explore lighting in the reef tank, in this one we are going to focus on metal halide lighting. We will start with who halide lighting is ideal for, the general advantages and disadvantages of halide lighting, and then evaluate halide lighting based on the criteria we developed a couple weeks ago including some really cool tests we performed based on those criteria. We'll share the importance of selecting the right reflector and bulb types, discuss some hybrid options and finish with some common installs and tips. Similar to T5’s, halides are a proven technology absolutely cable of maintaining awesome coral health combined with that high contrast visual appeal and shimmer everyone loves. Today’s halide users are those that only care about one thing: and that’s results. The number one advantage halides have is the longest track record of success. If maintaining a successful reef tank full of heathy corals is the only concern you can probably stop looking because halides are one of the best options and a staple in reefing for longer than most of us have even been in the hobby. The halide bulbs can produce both highly intense lighting with high PAR ratings as well as highly diffused light or even a hybrid of both all depending on the type of reflector and bulb used. The result is typically a really high contrast tank with plenty of light coverage but also a sense of depth that comes with some slightly darker areas in the tank. Halides are also considered to produce the best shimmer lines in the tank which gives that sense of movement that makes the tank look like an actual section of the reef rather than just a picture of one. The shimmer is also very natural looking and doesn't produce a "disco ball" effect. Follow along next week as we cover LEDs! *Legal Stuff* The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

Week 20: Metal Halide lighting and the reef tank: A recipe for success | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160 sentiment_very_dissatisfied 13

Reef tank 8 years ago 51,535 views

http://brs.li/BRS160_Week20 Today’s episode is our second of five where we really explore lighting in the reef tank, in this one we are going to focus on metal halide lighting. We will start with who halide lighting is ideal for, the general advantages and disadvantages of halide lighting, and then evaluate halide lighting based on the criteria we developed a couple weeks ago including some really cool tests we performed based on those criteria. We'll share the importance of selecting the right reflector and bulb types, discuss some hybrid options and finish with some common installs and tips. Similar to T5’s, halides are a proven technology absolutely cable of maintaining awesome coral health combined with that high contrast visual appeal and shimmer everyone loves. Today’s halide users are those that only care about one thing: and that’s results. The number one advantage halides have is the longest track record of success. If maintaining a successful reef tank full of heathy corals is the only concern you can probably stop looking because halides are one of the best options and a staple in reefing for longer than most of us have even been in the hobby. The halide bulbs can produce both highly intense lighting with high PAR ratings as well as highly diffused light or even a hybrid of both all depending on the type of reflector and bulb used. The result is typically a really high contrast tank with plenty of light coverage but also a sense of depth that comes with some slightly darker areas in the tank. Halides are also considered to produce the best shimmer lines in the tank which gives that sense of movement that makes the tank look like an actual section of the reef rather than just a picture of one. The shimmer is also very natural looking and doesn't produce a "disco ball" effect. Follow along next week as we cover LEDs! *Legal Stuff* The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

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Most popular comments
for Week 20: Metal Halide lighting and the reef tank: A recipe for success | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

Romeo Vashishth
Romeo Vashishth - 6 years ago
Ryan looks small compared to the big light on the left
Richard Colombo
Richard Colombo - 6 years ago
I'm back to my Giesemann Spectra 400w radium after running Radion G4's. The radions are the best LED's that I'v used and my SPS looked great under them, I just missed the bright look and spectrum of the 400w Radium.
Brandon Schwatka
Brandon Schwatka - 6 years ago
It doesn't look like you guys used the Bimini hanging kit in the video, how did you guys hang it?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 6 years ago
Do you know the time stamp of the fixture you saw? :-)
Daniel Yepez
Daniel Yepez - 7 years ago
Where would place metal halide/LED hybrid? I'm considering this, as an option of lighting for a 50 gallon cube. Goal is to keep LPS and SPS, some anemones
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Hopefully we can make a video on that someday! :-)
Daniel Yepez
Daniel Yepez - 7 years ago
BulkReefSupplyCom what about as compared to a T5/LED hybrid, how would those two lighting options compare? Would be awesome to see a video on this if it's not already up :D
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
If you are talking about mounting height, typically anywhere between 8"-12" above the water surface will work! :-)
Freeyourmind
Freeyourmind - 7 years ago
Consistency is much more important than anything he talks about. And water changes...
muffemod
muffemod - 7 years ago
T5HO master race
Jorge Aguilar
Jorge Aguilar - 7 years ago
How high above the tanks did you test the giesemann Infiniti and spectra?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Both were at 10" above the water surface. :-)
Paul Patterson
Paul Patterson - 7 years ago
I keep expecting to see Garth Algar when I see this guy's videos....
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Luca Martino
Luca Martino - 7 years ago
Great write up. I hope MH holds on and stays mainstream. For us who have our tanks in the basement den, the heat issue isn't a bother. Either your heater is on or your lights provide some of the heat. I have a reverse cycle HPS for my chaeto tumbler. Love it because it reduces my heating needs and also grows macros like crazy!!!! This is why I think depending on tank location, preferred lighting methods vary. I live in WI where it's cold all the time lol.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
We know exactly how that cold weather affects our tanks! We are in the same boat over here in MN!

10. comment for Week 20: Metal Halide lighting and the reef tank: A recipe for success | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

stan
stan - 7 years ago
Im a german reefer and nearly everybody here wants LED. But in my opinion the light of metal halide is still the best! In 12:45 you can see how brillant and natural it is, like the sun in the ocean. LED tanks i always have the feeling there is something missing in the spectrum, seems like dead light. Or they look like a disco with blue and red shadows on the ground.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
There are many reefers, even some around here at BRS, still holding on to the tried and true methods of MH and T5!
Richard Guerra
Richard Guerra - 7 years ago
I have a 30" deep tank, 95 gallons. I was debating whether going with 400W luxcore ballast with radium bulbs supplemented with a 4 t5 bulb retrokit or the t5s with used radions. I want a mixed reef with more SPS. What would you recommend?
Noah Lastner
Noah Lastner - 7 years ago
Im getting a 30 inch deep tank. Custom built. 90x26x30. Ive been looking into lighting nad was wondering if the SPECTRA SE 72" METAL HALIDE T5 FIXTURE - GIESEMANN was my best bet.
Noah Lastner
Noah Lastner - 7 years ago
I actually did some more research and decided two do shorter t5 retrofits and two ap700's
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
It depends on your goals for the tank, but at a depth and length like that I might consider two shorter fixtures.
Reef Keeper
Reef Keeper - 7 years ago
I have found metal halides to work the best for me.  After 20 years in the hobby I have tried all types of lighting - PC, MH, LED, T5 - and I must admit the best success came from using metal halides.  It's definitely my #1 choice in lighting for reef tanks.  I've never seen my acros respond and grow as well as they do under halides.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
I'm currently using Radium halides over my work tank. Love them!
jesse florian
jesse florian - 7 years ago
What is the tank name at 21:00
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
That's a 60 gallon cube from Vertex
Reef Keeper
Reef Keeper - 7 years ago
Great video.  Very thorough and helpful.  You can count me as one of the hobbyists who switched back from LEDs back to Metal Halides.  I now use 2 x 250 watt metal halides with T5 and find the color to be more natural and the coral growth to be better.
Michael Schlicht
Michael Schlicht - 7 years ago
BulkReefSupplyCom I have been thinking about going to LED just because of heat, electric, and bulb cost. Plus I can't seem to get new MH 20k radiums to work which I had to return probably because of the ballasts maybe going idk. Frustrating
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Nice, I'm a sucker for halides. My tank at work also uses a 20K Radium
Michael W
Michael W - 7 years ago
First--great video series. I'm binge watching them. Whose tank is that at about 2:16 and again at 2:46. I only ask because the corals are amazing and would like some IDs on them so I can add them to my list for my tank!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
That is one heck of a tank! Unfortunately it is stock footage - but I will ask our video editor and see if he has some leads.
Ryan Thompson
Ryan Thompson - 8 years ago
The Gmann should have stayed over the tank! Such an amazing light
Franklin Michael
Franklin Michael - 8 years ago
9:46 what color lights is that?
William Rivera
William Rivera - 8 years ago
I am trying to understand why the PAR reading is going up the deeper under water you go?? 6"= 254 but deeper at 12"=601?? Can you explain? I am just reading this wrong??
William Rivera
William Rivera - 8 years ago
OMG! THANKS! Makes much more sense now! duh!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Oh, I see where you are coming from. Are you talking about at around the 21:48 mark? I think you might be reading it a bit wrong. The PAR values you are seeing are if you are looking at the tank from the top down, with the inch measurements on the sides of the graph the width and length of the tank. We do a separate graph for each depth of our measurement then at 6, 12, and 18.

20. comment for Week 20: Metal Halide lighting and the reef tank: A recipe for success | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

oxbearn
oxbearn - 8 years ago
Hello BRS,
Im having a optiwhite reeftank 24x16x16 with LPS and softies. I bought a maxspect 120w and just going with 45% white and 50% blues for 8 hours and my lps wont grow. Should i i increase the power to almost 100% white and 100% blues for some hours? Thanks for replys
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+oxbearn Personally I would avoid making any drastic lighting changes to a higher intensity without a PAR meter to help verify your PAR. I would also recommend checking your calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels to make sure that the corals have what they need to grow :)
Joel perez
Joel perez - 8 years ago
When are they going to stop making the bulbs? I,m looking to set my tank up in about 6 months .should i just go led?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Joel perez I'd say it's still a ways into the future if it is to happen. There is still a following for the older technologies, including me :P
Salamander Fangskin
Salamander Fangskin - 8 years ago
Can any metal halide lighting can work for my tank? even those light bulbs Osram Sylvania Mcp 150w or Luxrite Mh 400w?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Salamander Fangskin If possible I would recommend a mix of white and blue LEDs since that will give you pretty decent spectrum. :)
Salamander Fangskin
Salamander Fangskin - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom In fact when I made that question to you I was planing to use a normal metal halide bulb for convenience. Now that I'm learning to read the spectrum of light I can see that most metal halide bulbs that are not intended for reef aquariums are more yellow, green and red and less of blue. So might not be a good idea to use a random metal halide bulb.
In my country [Mexico] I cant find good light for reefing, besides I don't have too much money. Do yo think if I can get to work a 20W blue LED and another 20W red LED [for my mangroves] will work? my tank is 80 gal. and is empty.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Salamander Fangskin What color temperature are the bulbs. Generally a bluer bulb in the 10k to 20k range is ideal for a reef.
Popelka69
Popelka69 - 8 years ago
great set and I intend to follow the whole set, however I was lost on PAR, I checked other video's whom did as you did which was put meters in the water without explaining what we are measuring and why; now after a few googles on equipment I find PAR = Photosynthetically Active Radiation at 400-700nm which tells us so much more in such short words; please if you could spend a little longer explaining such concepts would make much more interesting as those that don't know are guessing as I did and had to research away from your video's
Ryan
Ryan - 8 years ago
BRS guys, do you know where the Radium 250W sits in the Cayman Sun? Was considering that combo, but not so sure now. Thanks for the GREAT video!
Ryan
Ryan - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom THANKS!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Ryan I'm actually running that same setup over my Elos cube at work. I would probably say the element in the bulb is about 1.5 to 2 inches forward of the center of the reflector.
Deepak Veerkar
Deepak Veerkar - 8 years ago
Great video.  Incredibly informative.  I was an LED user but have switched back to metal halides and am much happier that I did.  Growth is just so much better under halides than anything else I have used.  Please keep making more videos.  They are very helpful.
Deepak Veerkar
Deepak Veerkar - 8 years ago
Hamilton 250 Watt 14K.  Growth is a lot better and I don't have any shading.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Deepak Veerkar Cool, what bulbs are you running?
James Morrison
James Morrison - 8 years ago
I am interested in the Bimini Sun but I can't find any reviews on it, I have a 50g 24X24X20 tank, and plan to keep LPS and soft corals. Should I go with a 150W or 250W?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+James Morrison They are relatively new. In my opinion I would go with a 250 :)
Darryl Sawyer
Darryl Sawyer - 8 years ago
Great video but I was hoping to see more of the tank. :P
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Darryl Sawyer Nothing has really changed at all on it since we are still trying to figure out what light we are going to go with. You can see an up to date shot of the tank at the 23:34 mark.
Phil Cusimano
Phil Cusimano - 8 years ago
Not much for DIY when it comes to LED light fixtures when combined with T5's. I don't even know if BRS stock many LED/T5's options, does appear so. But still old school.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Phil Cusimano We evaluated a few more that we decided not to carry. The ones we do carry we felt offered the best balance of features, performance, and value. :)
Phil Cusimano
Phil Cusimano - 8 years ago
When it come to lighting I'm old school, I concern with what's best coral growth. So on my new tank I'm going with a combo of Metal Halide and T5's. Beside I don't there is a reasonable priced LED/T5 combo or Metal Halide/LED combo yet.
Phil Cusimano
Phil Cusimano - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Actually I like the ATI selection however as you mentioned they are pricey. You'd think that since T5's and LED's have been around a spell the combo would be more reasonable priced to get people to try them out. Lowering the cost could be made up by selling more units. Just saying. It's not new technology, it newer but not new.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Phil Cusimano Nice! You could rig something DIY up for an LED/T5 combo, but some of the "off-the-shelf" units out there can be a little pricey.

30. comment for Week 20: Metal Halide lighting and the reef tank: A recipe for success | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

ChuckGV
ChuckGV - 8 years ago
Not exactly related to the lighting, but I really like the clips used to hold that screen top on the rimless tank @21:00. Where did you source those, and is there any chance you might be able to include something like that in your screen top kits? I've jury-rigged something with acrylic squares superglued to the screen top frame for my Euro-braced tank, but I've already had to re-glue the tabs a couple of times, and I'm trying to figure out a more reliable long-term solution.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+ChuckGV Those clips are a home brewed solution. We glued together a few pieces of 1/16" acrylic with acrylic solvent to make them. I will suggest selling them with the team though :)
T Surro
T Surro - 8 years ago
Awesome as usual, u guys need to find some quality single bulb t5 fixtures, I bought two cheaper ones for growing plants to go along side my Kessils, for us with a narrow tank! Thx
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+T Surro Thanks! Just out of curiosity; was a retrofit out of the question?
Patty O'Grady
Patty O'Grady - 8 years ago
Another great informative video. Thanks
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Patty O'Grady Thank you and thanks for watching!
John Grape
John Grape - 8 years ago
Great Job!  I learned a lot!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+John Grape Thanks! Glad to hear you enjoyed it :)
North County Alliance to Mitigate Climate Change
North County Alliance to Mitigate Climate Change - 8 years ago
Can you do a video on aiptasia?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+North County Alliance to Mitigate Climate Change Good idea! We'll be covering them a bit later in the series, but I'll add it to our ideas list. Thanks!
Paul Simpson
Paul Simpson - 8 years ago
What bulb was used on the tank using 3 metal halides around 1 minute in the video? Also which bulb was demoed over the staff tank, I think Jason's? It seems like you utilized the Giesemann 14.5k bulb a lot in the video. I assume you have had good success with this one? Any others you would recommend highly?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Paul Simpson The first tank there around the minute mark is unfortunately stock footage so we don't know the exact bulbs used. That said it appears to be a 10K setup. We used the Giesemann bulb as more of a reference point so people could compare the different lights. :)
Reef Roid
Reef Roid - 8 years ago
The next video is gunna be the one we have ALL been waiting for !!! The notorious LEDs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reef Roid
Reef Roid - 8 years ago
+Lukasz Nowak EXACLY !!!!!!!!!!
Lukasz Nowak
Lukasz Nowak - 8 years ago
:D 2 bloody right ;) well they maybe ok just for decor like them air stones with led inside them hahah lets hope people will read our comments before spend mint on useless lights just to find out they useless and go back to metal halide and t5:D and all that you will save so much electric yet another bullshit as lumens per watt on even the most advanced leds sucks...my t5 pulling 104lm per watt and believe metal halide really close to 100 :) 
Reef Roid
Reef Roid - 8 years ago
+Lukasz Nowak LEDs are probably the worst light going for your tank
Lukasz Nowak
Lukasz Nowak - 8 years ago
i do like my LEDs but thats my cree bike lights and my led lenser torches :) anything else no! fish tank loves metal halide and T5s :) offering you amazing flexibility for alot less money you can build your hood with amazing light for little money :) 
Reef Roid
Reef Roid - 8 years ago
+Lukasz Nowak totally agreed mate , just swapped two weeks ago from radion LEDs to ati t5 ,,,, never going back to LEDs again !
Lukasz Nowak
Lukasz Nowak - 8 years ago
+reef roid no point mate :) metal halide only way 2 go :) dont foul yourself and waste money on leds :) thx
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+reef roid :P
Mark Madrid
Mark Madrid - 8 years ago
what about HPS?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Mark Madrid T8 really lacks the intensity that marine inverts need. T5HO and T12 would be better options with T5HO being one of the best fluorescent options available.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Mark Madrid Unfortunately the spectrum us pretty far off (down in the 1 to 3k range) and too red/yellow for a reef tank.
Mark Madrid
Mark Madrid - 8 years ago
or T8
nick castellani
nick castellani - 8 years ago
RT Turner is the man! My new favorite BRStv guy. 100% T5 All the way! Heres a fact. Combination deals are a waste of money, Its always in the interest of the seller, not the buyer(Fact of life). If you buy a COMBO T5/Halide fixture you will be getting a subpar ballast for the halide section. Also a subpar reflector, which is critical for halides. If you buy a T5/LED combo you will be getting damn near useless Leds that dont fit in anywhere. A good T5 fixture will NOT leave ANY room for a good set of LED lights. Its a fact. You have to PICK ONE.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+nick castellani Thanks Nick! We were actually really happy with how well built and high quality the Giesemann and ATI combos were when we brought them in for testing, but I can see where you are coming from. To be honest I would be happy running either over my tank :P Stay tuned for the combo video because you might be surprised.
Pedro Pucci
Pedro Pucci - 8 years ago
You guys from BRS are such great professionals! I wish we had something like BRS in Brazil. Keep up the good work!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Pedro Pucci Thank you Pedro!
Gareth H
Gareth H - 8 years ago
hey great video! are you guys going to post an update on the tank itself or have i just missed it?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Gareth H Thanks Gareth! We're trying to figure out which light setup we want to go with, so nothing new has happened to it. You can see a brand new shot at the 23:34 mark showing the tank with a Giesemann light being test fit on it. :)
Ambrosius Malachai
Ambrosius Malachai - 8 years ago
okay, so i had an idea for led lights. alot led's have brackets to simply set on the rim of the tank. This makes maintenance a pain, as you have to remove your light source in order to access the tank. This also means finding a place to set the light. So, for these types, i was thinking why not attach metal hanging wires to those stand brackets? you can even clip off the brackets and attach a small aluminum cover to hide them, in which holds the end of the led bar as it hangs, or if possible remove the brackets and replace them with screws or bolts to attach to a hanging end bracket. Then as with any hanging light fixture, you can attach a single wire, on a pully that is then attached to all the wires that hang the light. You can then pull on the wire, and raise the light out of the way for maintenance. This will also allow led bars to be strung up next to each other for tanks that are too long to set an led bar on its rims. It could also allow for varied lighting, as you can adjust the height of each bar, for a more direct light, or more diffused light.
William Rivera
William Rivera - 8 years ago
That is how Vertex LEDs work. Unit is attached to wire, ceiling mount pullies
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Ambrosius Malachai (AMV GOD) The pulley idea is pretty interesting. Give it a shot and share some photos with us! Looks like a fun project.
Phil Cusimano
Phil Cusimano - 8 years ago
Nice episode on lighting, it can make it very difficult to chose between light sources depending on your goals. But excellent job Ryan!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Phil Cusimano Thanks Phil! We're hoping to make that difficult choice much simpler.
iroc ant
iroc ant - 8 years ago
I can't wait for the led episode I want to hear all info about my radions
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+iroc ant We're in the process of filming it, so stay tuned!
9StickNate
9StickNate - 8 years ago
Great video! I use the 48" Geisemnn T5/MH over my 21" tall 105g. The thing is built really well. It also doesn't heat up as much as I anticipated.. I'm able to keep my tank cooled via my Apex & a fan. I upgraded from first generation Hydras x2. Compared to the LEDs, the growth and coloration have really increased. My Stylos and Pocilloporas look completely different. No more shaded colors/shadows/decreased polyp extension. Thanks for the PAR level measurements!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+9StickNate Very nice!
9StickNate
9StickNate - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Spectra with Radium x2, Blue Plus x2 and actinic+ x2. It's a rather blue tank. I might replace 2 of the T5 actinic + with 2+.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+9StickNate Very cool! Just out of curisoity, are you using the Spectra or Infiniti?
Dave Davis
Dave Davis - 8 years ago
Thanks, a great video and a lot of information on a lighting source I know very little about. Can't wait for the low down on LEDs. I prefer T5 but I'm very interested in the possibilities of a T5/LED combo.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Dave Davis Thanks for watching, and I'm happy we could help! We're filming it right now, I'm pretty excited!
Stoned Megatron
Stoned Megatron - 8 years ago
LED LED LED.... LED ^_^
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Stoned Megatron :P
Jason McClough
Jason McClough - 8 years ago
Next week Kessil ap700 please!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Jason McClough It's certainly possible!
Rico Suave
Rico Suave - 8 years ago
What about a 150 watt haledi over a 10 gallon tank ?
Rico Suave
Rico Suave - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom haha yeaa i forgot about the more intense light loving organisms 
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Rico Suave You could probably grow clams and SPS with it pretty well, but you might have trouble with lower light corals :P
Rico Suave
Rico Suave - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom haha just curious becuase i seen some lights being sold for a 10gallon for print but like wtf are u growing with 150watt mh in 12inches of water 
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Rico Suave It depends on the reflector and the bulb, but in my experience that could be a little too much PAR.
Lucy's Reptiles
Lucy's Reptiles - 8 years ago
I use t5 on my ten gallon nano reef and I've never had a problem
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Lucy's Reptiles Nice! I'm a big T5 fan as well. That said I have a halide on my tank at work and an LED on my tank at home. Each definitely has their advantages and disadvantages.

50. comment for Week 20: Metal Halide lighting and the reef tank: A recipe for success | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

Lucy's Reptiles
Lucy's Reptiles - 8 years ago
I use t5 on my ten gallon nano reef and I've never had a problem
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Lucy's Reptiles Nice! I'm a big T5 fan as well. That said I have a halide on my tank at work and an LED on my tank at home. Each definitely has their advantages and disadvantages.
James Wagner
James Wagner - 8 years ago
another aqsome video, i am totally excited for your video on leds and led t5 hybrids
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+James Wagner We're in the process of shooting it right now, I'm really looking forward to getting this one done :)
Charles gilliland
Charles gilliland - 8 years ago
Great information like always. It's always great to have more tools in your toolbox. I work at a LFS and information is everything. Thanks again.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Charles gilliland Thank you Charles!
Mike Wright
Mike Wright - 8 years ago
When you do PAR readings for LEDs please include the AI Prime.
You guys rock thanks!
Seth Williamson
Seth Williamson - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Awesome! That's a rare treat indeed. :)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Seth Williamson I wish that was the case :P Its definitely being shot weekly. This way we get to account for new products/ideas when they arise. :)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Mike Wright I think we may :)
Seth Williamson
Seth Williamson - 8 years ago
+Mike Wright -- That episode is most likely already recorded. I wouldn't be surprised if all 52 episodes have already been produced.
Stikibits
Stikibits - 8 years ago
All of these lamps are ninety degrees out to the optimum.
The throw of the lamp should be along the length of the tank, not thrown out the front of the tank.
The ends of the lamps should point toward the viewer, not along the length of the tank as the lamps throw dictates.
nick castellani
nick castellani - 8 years ago
+Stikibits This guys is 100% correct. Rotate the bulb if you want your Halides to stay on the market. These dual fixtures for halides/T5 are a joke as well. If your not going ALL OUT and getting a full ballast/reflector for JUST a Halide bulb. Then dont do it.
Stikibits
Stikibits - 8 years ago
+Bulk Reef Supply I think the data you provide is perfectly good and thanks for that.

I just run a hood that can be rotated to the correct orientation to make the most of the throw.

The reflective surface within the hood breaks down fairly quickly, too, and the hoods probably should be replaced on a regular basis...in horticulture they aim for biannual replacement, but that would really get expensive for most reef hobbyists, I'd reckon, though cheap and good hoods cost about as much as the lamp, though they are a bit ugly, if you need them out in the open and in view.
Bulk Reef Supply
Bulk Reef Supply - 8 years ago
+Stikibits Thats fair feedback. It's hard to think of everything sometimes but I agree it would have been really valuable to display orientation on the graphic which includes all of the individual PAR measurements. You can see it in the video but not everyone will make the connection between the two. That said since it is a cube and the light is centered you can see how it performs in any direction and which way we turn it doesn't impact the accuracy of the data.

Some of these reflectors also defy what we think we know about the topic. The Bimini is one of them. This reflector produces a clear rectangular shaped pattern turned what most reefers would say is the wrong direction. If it was turned "correctly" it would perform poorly in a standard elongated rectangular shaped tank.

Our goal is just to produce the data and hope that reefers can use to achieve the best results for their particular situation. This is one of the reasons we selected a 30" inch cube which goes beyond the boarders of the shortest dimension of all the most popular tanks.
Stikibits
Stikibits - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Most tanks aren't cubes...they're elongated rectangles.
Not blaming you guys, but those lamps are poorly designed and will not provide optimum results...the solution is simple...rotate the lamp ninety degrees.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Stikibits that's a good pick up however we are testing on a cube not a rectangle so turning it 90 degrees would only change orientation not the results : ) Because we have 12 foot ceilings in the studio and limited hanging options it dictated the orientation for the video but shouldn't impact the results in any way because of the cube shape of the testing.

I will also say some of the reflectors defied what you might think in this regard. Dig into the results, particularly the Bimini.
Daemiex
Daemiex - 8 years ago
wooo go t5 ftw
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Daemiex :P
Eightneun
Eightneun - 8 years ago
I LOVE your videos! They have been my guide t proper fish care and success. While I usually can't afford most of what you showcase on the show, you guys always brings some of the most trustable and comprehensive information on reef tanks around the Internet. KEEP IT UP GUYS! I LOVE THE CHANNEL!!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Eightneun Thanks a ton! We certainly appreciate it, and I'm happy to hear you love the channel. :)

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