DIYMetal Halide install, or buy new fixture

[felixfish]

I just got this 20 gallon tank and it came with a 50/50 duel bulb Power Compact fixture. Would this be ok with soft corals? If you look at this fixture it looks as if I could install a Metal Halide ballast and bulb??

 

[fastrd400]

It does appear as though you could gut it, and install something like a Retro MH kit into it. I wouldn't mount the ballast inside it though.

 

[BL1]

If you do retrofit that hood into a MH fixture you're going to want it raised up off the tank. It's going to cause too much heat if you don't get any air flow under it.

 

[felixfish]

THere is a fan inside of the fixture now, like a computer style fan. Would that be enough airflow?

 

[BL1]

Nope, all MH fixtures have fans in them otherwise they'd quickly overheat. But, even still you'll want at least 4 inches between the fixture and top of your tank.

 

[bjohanson1234]

I would look into a retrofit t5. Less of a heat risk, and still be able to keep anything in the 20 gallon tank.

 

[fastrd400]

Is that fixture metal or plastic? If it is plastic, do not retro it at all with MH.

 

[felixfish]

It's an all metal fixture, I'm not sure how old it is or anything. I'm going to have to look into a T5 conversion. You think it would even be beneficial to keep the PC's in there too? It almost sounds more hassle than its worth, but i haven't researched anything yet.