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lighting question

G

George

hey guys need some help on this decision. right now i have a 55 gallon with power compacts but thinking of changing up to MH so i can start keeping sps. i know they are expensive and with a 3 week baby girl at home i wanna make a informed decision. any help or input is appreciated. even a site or place that is reasonable with the purchace of such fixture
 
M

mnat

Officer Emeritus
Staff member
Moderator
What are the dimensions of the tank, and what do you have in your tank right now? Also, what types of SPS do you want to keep in the future? Have you looked into a T5 fixture? You can keep SPS with those and might not cause as many headaches (heat).
 
Hawkeye

Hawkeye

I"d skip MH on a 55 gallon tank. A single MH fixture will have a focused amount of light that will cover 24x24. Since a aga 55 is only 13" deep - your light will be spilling out. I mean it'll work fine - but I think it's more than needed.

You're better off with a set of T5s. Or if you want to go old school, 4 110W VHO bulbs. That's what ralph did (before he broke down the tank) and he had like 10 RBTA's in a 55 gallon.
 
G

George

Thanks, maybe t5's would make more sense. Certain corals I'd like to keep require heavy lighting that's why I was thinking about MH but maybe ill wait to put them on my 90g that I'm working on.
 
T

tbone212371

Metal Halide for the Shimmer...
I just upgraded to them with 2 t's actinics and I love it versus T5's alone...
I have a mixed mixed... 80% softies 10% LPS & 10% SPS..

Its just a personal choice I guess...
they are both around the same cost anyways...
 
JRWOHLER

JRWOHLER

I would take into account your possible upgrade and go with a 6 bulb fixture, not sure an 8 will fit. :) I have T5 on my reef and 55G panted tank, 8X54 and 2X54. For I think 6x54 on a 90 would be good, might be a little wide on a 55 but might as well go for it. Can add some LED for shimmer if you are so inclined.
 
G

George

I was down to OGII today and found he had a 4x54 t5 lighting unit that I think I may purchase and put on there. What do you think about that?
 
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