halide question.

[spsrookie]

So I just bought a house, and the funds I once had for hobbies have become scarce. My neighbor is giving me his 75 gallon mixed reef tank, (soft stuff, lps) for nothing.

A friend of mine is giving me a aquatinics, t5 metal halide combo. It is two t5s, and two 400 watt metal halides. The light works, and the bulbs are about 3 months old.

Is this light worth trying on a 75 gallon, if hung high enough? I know its expensive to run, but since I am getting it for nothing, the extra 15 bucks a month to run it vs 250 watt, right now is more affordable than shelling out 800 bucks up front for a new lighting system.

Tank will be going in my basement, central air, and has never risen above 68 degrees during the summer. I don't think heat will be an issue. Plus I have a chiller from a previous set up if need be.


In your opinion, is it worth trying, or is it not a smart idea, even though it was given to me?

 

[biggles]

If you're asking will it work, yes it will work just fine as long as you hang the bulbs 10-12" off the water and only run the 400W's for 5-6 hours a day. I have run more than you are contemplating over a 4x2x2 5" off the water years ago with no ill effects.
When money isn't so tight you can always go to 250W's which will let you bring the T5's down to a more effective level along with the halide bulbs.

 

[spsrookie]

Ok thank you. If i hang it high like you suggest, 12-15 inches , and heat is under control, will the soft stuff be alright in the tank, or does this set up only serve sps and clams?