• Help with MG!!!

  • Brian6895

Good day, dear forum members! The launch of the "sea" is planned for the near future. Please help with advice regarding MH lamps. Here’s the question. I have these projectors (seem to be MH?). Will they be suitable for a marine aquarium? Of course, there will also be T5 lamps in the necessary quantity. The first projector has one label, while the second has a slightly different one, as seen in the photo. The second one has a 70W lamp, but the electrical equipment seems to be rated for 150W? Or am I mistaken? If I need to install new lamps, which I probably should since these are likely burnt out, what specific types and spectra, color temperatures, and wattages can I use with this kind of electronic setup? How many and what kind of T5 lamps will need to be added for lighting a 400L aquarium (1350*550*550)? P.S. Currently, the projectors shine with a white light at full intensity, while the second one has a slight turquoise-blue tint. However, when I look at the energy-saving bulbs rated at 4200K (white daylight), they seem yellowish compared to the MH, and the 6200K (cool white) energy-saving bulb appears just white with a slight milky tint. In the photos, 1-6 is the first lamp, and 7-11 is the second. Thank you in advance to those who respond.

James4757

What T5 lamps would you like to install? Their quantity. In photos 2 and 7, there are HQI projectors, but how many Kelvin are the lamps? In general, everything is suitable for a 400-liter marine tank, but you can skip the energy-saving bulbs since you will have enough light without them.

Jacqueline5976

Savings lamps will not be suitable (possibly only in the sample in the algae tank). I provided this example to compare light temperature, as there is no indication of light temperature on the lamps themselves. I searched the internet and found information that such lamps are 4200K and 5700lm. The T5s will likely be Coralstar or similar. I still don't know how many and what types are needed at this depth. I'm asking for advice from knowledgeable people. A soft reef and a pair of clownfish are planned.

Ricardo7341

It's all clear there. One lamp is 70W, the other is 150W. These are the types of bulbs to choose. The temperature is 14000-20000K.

Brandy1134

But won't this light be enough? How many T5 lamps are needed and which ones? All marine (blue) or do I need some violet ones (like Power-Glo)? I generally want the light to be approximately like this: Morning - T5 lamps from 9:00 AM. Then day - MH from 12 PM to 4 PM, after that evening, which is again T5 until 9 PM, and then night, moonlight, I plan to use about 3 or more blue LEDs, we'll see how it goes. And in the sump, a different setup for the algae tank with a 4200K energy-saving bulb. If anything is wrong, please adjust.

Amy5468

But you won't have hard corals, will you? You need actinics with a special spectrum, and as for how many, you won't mind 4 pieces; that will be enough.

Joseph8592

Everything is fine. We have decided on the lamps. Is the schedule for turning them on and off okay? I plan to set everything on automatic timers. Is that possible? And also regarding the color temperature of the metal halide lamps. I would like it to be white-blue. Which temperature is better to choose in this case? Would around 14000K or 20000K be better?

Lisa

That's how it should be. That's how it will be. 14000K.

Brandy1134

In the aquarium, you need to install the same metal halide lights, for example, two 150W. Otherwise, one side will be more illuminated. It's better to choose 12000K. And 70W is too little for the aquarium, just right for the sump. As for T5, I understand there will be two in the front and two in the back, so place a white and a blue one in the front, and a blue and an actinic one in the back. T5 from 9:00 to 21:00 MH from 12:00 to 18:00

Troy8808

I plan to arrange S.R.K. (dry reef rocks) with J.K. (live rocks) in a slope from one side to the other at an angle. In general, where there will be soft corals, the light will be brighter, and where there are few corals and sand, it will be weaker. So far, I like this design option. But it is still being considered. I adhere to the rule "Measure seven times, cut once." P.S. Initially, the aquarium was planned to be around 350-400 liters, but now, after rearranging the furniture, space is being freed up, and I can order a larger tank. I want approximately 1600*550*550 (L*W*H), but again, it is still being thought through. It might even turn out to be bigger. It's good that I haven't ordered it yet.

Laura9093

For such a length, three MGs are already needed.

Gene1948

Nothing. Everything is ahead. It's better to enjoy one than to buy three at once. I will add more J.K. (live stones). And I will add light and T5.

Laura3673

Off-topic. This is something. It's nice that new enthusiasts of marine aquaristics are emerging in our city. Serious ones, too.

Brandon4517

The RO system has already been purchased and installed. So now the water for salting and topping off will be ready. Now let's move on. I can't decide on the drainage system for the sump. Please advise, dear forum members! I'm leaning more towards a hole in the back or side wall with a drain box and a Durso drain. But maybe there are quieter options? It's very important that it is as quiet as possible since the aquarium will be in the bedroom. The RO system looks like this:

Randall7906

I am sure they will respond to you, but just not about MG!

Kellie

I thought so too. But basically, the thread is about equipment. It might be better to create a new topic with a more or less universal title.

Christina9947

And it will be right.