hicksonj said:
I guess it could work, but there are two worries. First, halides produce a lot of heat. Most people with nanoreefs need a chiller, just to keep thier temps down. The upside to this, is that you wouldn't have to heat that room in the winter. Second, certain halides will release UV light. This could sun burn everything from your frogs to your plants. You can get filtered glass to help with this. Do you have the lamp yet? If you are going to buy one, it would be a lot of money. You could just keep replacing your moss every month for a year, before you covered the costs of an electronic metal halide with a good 6500K bulb.
What type of moss do you have? I have mine under screw in 27 watt cfs. Also, test the ph of your water. That can really have an effect.
As for heat, im already prepared with pc fans and heat sinks. My hood is already 30% screen and 70% glass, though id be making a diy hood for the sockets and fan placement anyway. I'll also leave the halides a few inches above the top,
My moss is pillow moss from a local nursery, and some patches from outside. My substrate is slightly acidic; good for moss. Ie- I place a mix of coco-husk, twigs, rotten leaves and springtails in a garbage bags for a few months. Its decomposed when i pull it out. I know this, because it becomes very warm.
Ben, Water is aged water i leave in a 20g aquarium for a week. Then use a dechlorinizer. I sometimes use distilled water from grocery store; and on summer showers, i try to collect some rainwater. I did have an issue with toxicity that killed most of my frogs (bathroom cleaners got into my source), but that was quickly taken care of.
As stated, it probably doesnt have to do with water issues, etc. I just prefer more light really =)
M.N
