Can you use Metal Halide?

[qc]

Hey, Its been a very very long time since I have been here and just as long since I have had a freshwater tank.

I had marine tanks for the last few years however finances don't allow them anymore and I still want a tank, so am going to set up a new freshwater in one of my old saltwater tanks.

So the question is thus.
I have a 4x2x2 tank with 2x250W Metal Halide DE 14K bulbs (DE stands for double ended for those not in the know)

Is it possible to use these on the tank without burning the plants? or the fish for that matter hahaha.

I know the Kalvin isn't the best to grow plants, I will change them too 6500K or something close to that (Unless you all think its better to have a higher wattage..

Anywho. Thanks!

 

[wayne]

You'll be fine, but if you want good plant growth you will need to go to 6500K or even less. As it stands your lights would give an interesting effect to an mbuna tank.

 

[qc]

mbuna tank?? Ok, I have been out for a while hahaha
Whats a mbuna tank?

Kewl, I was a little worried about the MH since it wasn't very much done, and when I had seen MH being used they where always 150 or less.. So I was concerend about possible plant burn or fish problems.

Are there any plants I should avoid with this sort of intensity lighting?

 

[Lotus]

That will give you quite a lot of light for plants (4wpg), so you would need to have supplemental CO2 and watch ferts carefully to avoid algae. You would be able to grow high light plants sucessfully, though. As wayne says, 6500K lights would be better for plant growth.