Which MH system should I use?

[Fiji Live Rock]

This type of setup which uses just 2 - 175 WATT MH bulbs

or

Dual 250w-5200k Metal Halide
Reef Aquarium Light includes 2 x Metal Halide Bulbs plus 4 x ZooMed fluorescent bulbs!


My tank is a 55 gal. reef tank with fish. It currently boasts a 220 WATT VHO lighting system. I want to go to MH to be able to finnish placing LR and all the corals that have been out of my reach (due to not enough lighting).

Let me know what is too much for a 55 gal tank. If the second one is good and not overkill...I will go with it.

[Zack]

Hey
52k bulbs are way to yellow for most corals having the NO as actinic do 10k. I like the 250's more

[Fiji Live Rock]

would a Dual 250 MH be good enough without the other bulbs?

If so...I can get a retrofit kit to save me a lot of cash.... About $150 to be exact. That way I can just buy the bulbs seperatly and get the 10K ones.

What do you think?

[Fiji Live Rock]

Also...would a Dual 400W MH system be to over powering for a 55 gal? if not...I might just build one myself...

I might build my own no mater what....save me a lot of cash. :twisted:

[Fugly]

I would say that for 55 gal u would need maybe one of those 400s. I say this because I have a 130 gal and 2 x metal halides 150W and they are very potent (even with the tank being 700mm high they provide ample lighting). :wink:

[Fiji Live Rock]

I would say that for 55 gal u would need maybe one of those 400s. I say this because I have a 130 gal and 2 x metal halides 150W and they are very potent (even with the tank being 700mm high they provide ample lighting). :wink:

One of those 400's ? What do you mean by that? One 400W MH? That would be too much light in one spot. I think two 175 W MH with two 40W Actinics should be good. My tank's depth is around 20" deep so it would be good for the tank. :)

[Fugly]

I meant that if you already had the two 400s. If not then definitly go with the two 175s. My 150s are really good for my tank so maybe you could even go a little smaller, 150s or 100s? If you have 2 then I think it will be ample. I worked my depth out to be around 28-29" and the LS gets lit up extremely bright. :)
Also what brand MH were you planning to use?
If thats your tank in the Buy/Sell VHO lighting post you won't have to go for really powerful MH just get a really good quality brand to ensure max performance per watt.

Those two actinics should come in handy although might not be necessary until residents in tank require. :wink:

[Fiji Live Rock]

I am still adding more LR and once I get the MH then I will go with the nice corals.

I will be looking at Coralife for the ligting system. I will probibly go with a retro kit to save money and so I can custom install it. :D

As for the bulbs...I am not sure what manufacture I will use yet. :?

[michealprater]

I would go with a dual 175 watt mh with 10000k or 6500k bulbs for a 55, due to the tank hieght being 18 inches.

[Fugly]

If you have the cash get the 175s for sure fiji just make sure you don't hold back on quality. Otherwise when its comes to using them you will have one of these probs:

Massive power bill
Shorter bulb lifespan (BULBS ARE EXPENSIVE!!!!!)
Not as efficient or bright as other brands. :(
Corallife have good bulbs but make sure the place you purchase from tests the bulb first. My first coralife bulb was a dud.

Also Check out Arcadia's site (Pendant 3 series MH combo actinics)-
http://www.arcadia-uk.com/en/140pendant.html
Expensive but awesome lights. Any coral MAX growth. :)
They are not kits but it will give you an idea of a really good lighting system.

[michealprater]

I would check www.ebay.com and run a search on "metal halide lights".

They usually have systems available from "PFO lighting". I have a dual 250 watt system from them and I am very satisfied. Plus, you wont beat the prices you find on www.ebay.com.

good luck