55g Reef Lighting

[hardparts2]

Well I think I am Going to go with 440 watts of VHO lighting for now because it will fit into my canopy and the cost of only $232.00.With the reflector,4bulbs,2 ballast ,endcaps,end cap mounts, wire,powercords I cant pass it up. The reflector has room for 2 mh which I will get later.But now I cant deside on bulbs. I was going to use 2 10000k URI aquasuns and URI 2 Super Actinic R but I read that the aquasuns look pink and I dont want that.So I am thinking 2 URI white Actinic which are 12000k and 2 URI Super Actinic R but I think that will be to blue. Are the coralife 10000k really blue would they be a better choice With the Super Actinic R ? Does any one have any pics of these lighting combos or know of any links where I could check them out.This is the last thing I have to order before I can set up my reef .I cant wait to get started. And thanks for all the help that people have givin me.


Thanks Bob

 

[AquariumPerson]

this may sound crazy, but I have only one super atentic and one atentic white over my 75g. and the corals seem to be doing fine. they are only softies and lps tho.

 

[snookface1]

I changed out my 55 gal from (3) VHO to (3) T-5 with reflectors and 660 Icecap. If you havent spent the money go with T-5 and reflectors. You will not believe the intensity of the light. I had to move corals that were 6" from the old light to lower, because of light intensity. I dont have a par meter, but I'm sure I can SPS in the top half of the tank.

 

[Pete1399]

For that kind of money IMO I would get the T5s also. You can get a 4X55W Sunlight Supply Tek T5 fixture for the same price(these have the individual reflectors. You would probably burn half the watts/energy for the same intensity of light. Just my 2sense!!!

 

[snookface1]

I retro fit my exiting tank with the three bulbs, end caps and reflectors for a little over $200.