Read About Metal Halide Lamps

Metal Halide Lamps produce intense light that can reach greater depths and are suited for marine and coral reef aquariums. Here's everything you need to know about this product.

Metal Halide Lamps - What are they?

  1. Description:

    Metal halide lamps are powerful lamps that can reach greater depths than other lamps. These are best suited for coral reefs and other large tanks.
  2. Who Needs These?

    Aquarists who own large aquariums will require metal halide lamps because other lamps could not produce the needed high intensity.
  3. Why Do You Need These?

    Metal halide lamps are needed to provide light to deeper tanks like marine aquariums and coral reefs.
  4. Types:

    There are various type and wattage based lamps that you could purchase based on your requirements and budget.
  5. Benefits:

    Metal halide bulbs provide a light that looks like natural sunlight and is beneficial for many marine species to feel at home in the tank.
  6. Uses:

    Metal halide lamps not only give out high intensity light but they are also useful for some corals like stony corals especially Arcopora and other small polyp corals.

Metal Halide Lamps - Tips

  1. Varieties:

    There are different wattage bulbs available and choice depends on the size of the tank especially the depth.
  2. Quality Choices:

    For a tank that is less than 16" go for a bulb that is less than 250 watts. For deeper tanks you could go up to 400 watts.
  3. Where to Use:

    Metal halide lamps must be place farther above the tank and usually 6 inches will do. Do no bring them closer to the water surface.

Metal Halide Lamps - Concerns

  1. Safety Issues:

    Metal halide lamps are high watt bulbs and produce intense heat. Never use them for small tanks (the kind beginners use) and even for larger tanks use cooling fans and other equipment like chillers to keep the temperature of the water under control.
  2. Behavioral Issues:

    There are no know major behavioral issues that arise from using metal halides. But you have to be careful to control the water temperature.
  3. Convenience:

    Metal halides are easier to fix and with deeper tanks they are easier to manage lesser metal halides than large number of other lamps.

Metal Halide Lamps - How to Choose

  1. What to Look For:

    Choose the number and wattage depending on your tank size. Also depending on the type of species and corals you are housing you may require tempered glass to filter out UV rays from non coated lamps.
  2. Expense:

    Metal halide lamps are more expensive than othe lamps and also you will have to purchase other equipment like fixtures, etc.
  3. Other Items You Might Need:

    You will need items like fixtures, ballast and wiring equipment. There are some fancy fixtures that beautify the aquarium setup and add to the decoration of the room.