Metal Halide Lighting/ turtle tank

[freerider]

Hi all
I am looking at setting up the mother of all turtle tanks, (aquarium 6ft x 2ft x 3ft) and have always loved the look that metal halide lights give. but being an aquarium virgin i know nothing about setting them up (yes, I know what they cost), is there any dramas with them being used with reptiles? How often do you need to replace the bulbs? what wattage would I need for a water depth of 2ft? Would I need more than one or one and maybe a fluro?
Any help would be greatly appreciated
thanks everybody

 

[pugsly]

Dont bother with a turtle tank mate, they heat the water up very quickly! Which in turn mean more water changes, more temp control, more algae, more problems!

I have a 150watt pendulum spare at the moment, it can sit on to of the tank or from a ceiling, so if you are really interested I would not go more than 150 watts. it does create beautiful water and even reflects to the ceiling but they are a little more work.

To buy from pet shops you have obviously seen how ridiculously expensive they are, so if you are really interested I have mine for sale for $150, thats it.

I would still keep a flouro or two on the tank too. The depth wont be an issue at all with the halides at 150watt, they need replacing every 18 months.

Good luck though.

 

[freerider]

Thanks pugsly
I will PM ya when I get started to see if ya stil got it, thanks heaps for the advise