So whats Halide lighting?

[Francis]

Whats so good about it? Is it worth getting? It just for marine aquariums or something? do you have it? Which is the best lighting?

Thanks Francis.

 

[freddyk]

They are basically a very powerful (and expensive) type of lighting. In the average freshwater aquarium it's too intense, but in very large or tall aquariums, or one with plants that need a very high amount of light, it becomes quite useful. There is a noticable difference between it and fluorescents (aesthetically) that many aquarists like.

 

[Lateral Line]

The lamps are available in many "colour temperature" ranges now, so their use in freshwater has increased. That said, they run physically very hot and often need fan assisted enclosures or open top tanks with pendant fittings.

 

[andywg]

I have found one way to combat the heat and that is to build a tall hood. Obviously this will look out of place on smaller tanks but with a high hood that has next to no rear panel.

However you must place the lights a fair distance from the tank as they can heat up the water and when mine were only around 2 or 3 inches from the glass covers they had a tendancy to crack the covers. Now they are aroun 7-9" away and all is fine.

As LL said you can get all kinds of colour temps now. I am running mine at 4,500K and am looking to upgrade one to around 5,500K in the near future. (only reason not to is that 4,500K are about £10 for 3, the 5,500K are around £35 each as they are sold by Arcadia... ).

If you have a deeper tank (mine is 24") then halides are a good reason as they provide a lot of power and a good punch to reach the bottom of the tank.

 

[Francis]

Thanks Maybe for my 5x2x2.

Thanks for clearing that up for me,

Francis.