Wow, Scott, that is one great build you are doing. Looking forward to pics of your progress.
You're wondering about lights.
MHs will throw a lot of heat but cost less in the beginning. On going electric cost and bulb replacement and possible chiller purchase make that choice less feasible in todays lighting market. I've been using the Solaris LED lights from PFO for a year. First the G series, now the H4 series and at the end of October the newest version the I4 series. The H series is a great improvement over the G series and the I series is going to be a great improvement too. Not to slight either the G or H series. They have their place but the H puts out about 40% more light than the G. The new I series will put out 30% more light than the H series. I saw the difference at
MACNA. I am anxiously awaiting the I series. I believe this is the light I will use in our coral propagation facility. What is more important than light intensity is the
par numbers. The new I series put out a
par of 246, that is great
par.
The Solaris is pricey but when you take into consideration the savings in energy, no heat generated to the tank and bulb life you have to consider it. As a TR member,
PM me for a special price on the Solaris. If you decide to go
MH, that's OK, we sell PFO
MH lights, too, and will give you a discount on them as well.
Dick
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