What’s the smallest footprint metal halide?

[Paleozoic_reefer]

I would like to start using a metal halide(s) for my tank, mainly for the magnifica and clam. I’m currently using 4 T5’s, LED light strips, and a 50W flood light for my magnifica.

I would like to integrate the MHs into the Aquatic Life lighting fixture I currently have, but haven’t found anything that would fit. Can everyone send me some suggestions (and pics if you got them).
Thanks!

 

[jackson6745]

MH fixtures, ballasts, and bulbs are limited in availability these days. You’re trying to do something very specific adding halide inside of t5 retro making it more difficult. With that said, you’ll likely need a double ended bulb and reflector to fit inside the t5 retro fixture. There’s very few bulbs in DE still available and you would still need to buy ballasts etc. If you really want halide, it would be cheaper and easier to find a used fixture that already incorporates t5’s. I see a bunch of stuff used in the marketplace often.

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

@jackson6745 that’s what I was thinking. I was just curious if anyone has tried what I want to do with my pre-existing light fixture.

 

[jackson6745]

@jackson6745 that’s what I was thinking. I was just curious if anyone has tried what I want to do with my pre-existing light fixture.

I can't recall anyone adding halide to your particular light since it was really designed to add led fixtures. I think the main problem is the width that most halide reflectors need. If you got something like this and bent it to fit, or trimmed some off with sheet metal shears, it would work.

Metal Halide Parabolic Reflector & Mogul Socket

This reflector is designed to mount perpendicular to the front of the tank. It is made with 95% reflective aluminum and will put about 40% more light into the tank than a standard flat sheet of reflective metal. Dimensions: 12" L x 10.5"W x 5"H Includes reflector & mogul socket. Harness not...

www.championlighting.com

You don't need a separate uv glass cover over a single ended bulb. With DE you need the uv glass over the bulb which is another added obstacle. I would look used though. I have a 250w giesemann spectra/4xt5 over my 25 nano, and a 3x250w + 4t5 giesemann spectra over my 200. I consider this the best lighting in the hobby. These days it's dirt cheap in comparison to top leds if you can find them used.

 

[oreo54]

@jackson6745 that’s what I was thinking. I was just curious if anyone has tried what I want to do with my pre-existing light fixture.

These are listed as 8.75" wide. The 24" end cap swap for the Aquatic life "may" have a 9.5" gap so it may fit.

Reef Brite Metal Halide – Reef Brite

www.reefbrite.com

Aquatic Life G2 Hybrid 24" Decor Endcap (Pair) Black | Premium Aquatics

Aquarium & Fish Supplies Superstore. Guaranteed Low Prices. Free Shipping for qualified orders. Aquarium supply for your aquarium fish, saltwater aquariums, freshwater aquariums and ponds. The best aquarium lighting, protein skimmers, aquarium chillers, calcium reactors, aquarium pumps for fish...

premiumaquatics.com

Coudn't find any decent dimensions on the AL caps/gap though.

 

[Jasonak]

.

 

[Justdrew]

ReefOptix III has a foot print that may fit in there, but you would have to find used.

 

[Reefing102]

I can't recall anyone adding halide to your particular light since it was really designed to add led fixtures. I think the main problem is the width that most halide reflectors need. If you got something like this and bent it to fit, or trimmed some off with sheet metal shears, it would work.

Metal Halide Parabolic Reflector & Mogul Socket

This reflector is designed to mount perpendicular to the front of the tank. It is made with 95% reflective aluminum and will put about 40% more light into the tank than a standard flat sheet of reflective metal. Dimensions: 12" L x 10.5"W x 5"H Includes reflector & mogul socket. Harness not...

www.championlighting.com

You don't need a separate uv glass cover over a single ended bulb. With DE you need the uv glass over the bulb which is another added obstacle. I would look used though. I have a 250w giesemann spectra/4xt5 over my 25 nano, and a 3x250w + 4t5 giesemann spectra over my 200. I consider this the best lighting in the hobby. These days it's dirt cheap in comparison to top leds if you can find them used.

This was going to be my suggestion as well.

 

[BeanAnimal]

ReefOptix III has a foot print that may fit in there, but you would have to find used.

That would be my choice. Likely one of the best small footprint MH fixtures made.

 

[Justdrew]

That would be my choice. Likely one of the best small footprint MH fixtures made.

I still use one for 2 hours of midday punch. Along with 3 xr15 on a 40 breeder.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I gave mine away a few years ago. They sat on the shelf for years after I moved to LEDs. The Bluewave ballast was nice too. I kind of miss the equipment but ohh well.

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

What brand is this?

I still use one for 2 hours of midday punch. Along with 3 xr15 on a 40 breeder.

 

[djf91]

I used to have a tiny 70 watt MH retrofit kit that came with a reflector probly 7”x3”. Put it inside a 12 gal. Nanocube. I’m sure there’s still something like this floating around on the internet for sale.

 

[Justdrew]

What brand is this?

That’s the Reef Optix III

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

I have a 150 watt pendant i'll sell you for a really cheap deal. It will NOT fit into that t5 fixture. I kind of want to make room.

 

[MIke Wood]

I would like to start using a metal halide(s) for my tank, mainly for the magnifica and clam. I’m currently using 4 T5’s, LED light strips, and a 50W flood light for my magnifica.

I would like to integrate the MHs into the Aquatic Life lighting fixture I currently have, but haven’t found anything that would fit. Can everyone send me some suggestions (and pics if you got them).
Thanks!

the aquatic life 24 inch end cap will give you 12.75 inches for a light fixture in the middle.