Another mh bulb size question

[genesisblue]

Hey all,
Im looking at putting mh bulbs over my 55 gall tall tank that is 48 inches long. I was thinking of doing 2x150 but it seems there are more options for the 250s. I would like to.keep a variety of corals from mushrooms to sps. If mh isn't the way to go please feel free to guide me
Thanks!
Adam

 

[JAustin]

I would with out a doubt run 2 250w metal halide bulbs. You can get Phoenix 14K bulbs for around $50 each if you shop around. If you have a sump you can install a fan over it to cool when the lights come on. Yes, the bulbs will creat some heat by nothing that can't be taken care of with a small fan or two.

I have two over my 40 breeder and have an SPS dominated tank with acans, mushrooms, clams, ect.

 

[bigtslape]

i would also say go 250 there r so nice lighting steps for sale on eBay

 

[coker98]

I would go T5 or LED. Less power is used in either option. Less heat with either option and if using LED, no bulb changes for a very long time.

 

[grigsy]

If you are doing SPS, you may want to go with 2 x 250 watt.

I would go with halides over LEDs. Tried both, got much better growth using halides.

2 x 250 watt halides such as Radium or PHX with a good reflector and you are set.

 

[tkeracer619]

A 55g tank is very hard to light with halides due to its shape. You end up having to have the bulbs right on the water adding excess amounts of heat or a lot of light doesn't make it into the tank. Bulb costs will be the same long term so initial investment is the only difference.

For this tank I would go with a t5 fixture (specifically the ati 4 lamp) and I would stay away from ebay. Go with a reputable source.
This is one of the better units.
http://www.saltysupply.com/ATI-48-4x54W-SunPower-p/ati3009.htm

This is one of the better retrofit units for a canopy.
http://www.aquacave.com/VUE660-48-4-Lamp-Complete-T-5-Retrofit-Kit--P1780C314.aspx

And this I would consider the good budget retrofit. Need 2
http://www.aquacave.com/48-TEK-2-T5-Retro-Kit-2-x-54W-lamps-by-Sunlight-Supply-P647C312.aspx

 

[genesisblue]

Great! Thanks for the links, it definately gives me food for thought.

 

[Saltwatercoral2]

i vote T5s, and i vote an ATI fixture. but its your own preference.

 

[falconut]

I've been running halides over my reef since the beginning about 7+ years ago. Mine are (2) 250 Watt SE Halides. I've been able to keep everything in this tank. So, if you go with halides, 250 would probably be the best bet.