Is this a good lighting setup for a 55G?

[nubomb]

Right now I only have a FOWLER but plan on going full reef. Don't excatly know what I plan on keeping though. I have a 55 gallon tank (18" deep)

Anyone hear of Hamilton Light Fixtures? This is the only description I have....
48" Hamilton Light fixture with two 175 watt bulbs and two 110 watt VHO bulbs

 

[Blazindrgn]

I don't know hamilton light fixtures, or how much light output per watt VHO is compared to say MH or Powercompacts.

What I do know is that I have an Orbit 4*65watt power compact set-up that im very happy with, however I wish I went MH in the first place, Mainly so I can keep clams.

I have a crocea on my current setup and while its alive and decent right now, its not thriving like it would have on metal halides.

If your looking to keep Clams or advanced corals Id say go Metal Halide, if not so much go either VHO or PC.

 

[nubomb]

THats what I'm wondering as well....THe Hamilton fixtures I've seen have PC not VHO. I may be able to get this used for around $250 and was wondering if it is a good deal or not for a combo of Halides and VHO.

The other option I was thinking was getting a new T5 Tek light fixture.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

That would be enough light. that is what i am running on my 55 reef tank. You will be glad you did. I have two 175 xm 15000k,and two 110 actenics vho's.

 

[nubomb]

Thanks Snake...

I'm assuming $250 or so is a good price for a used lighting system (assuming it works and is in good condition)?

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

How long has the bulbs been used, they need to be changed somewhere around 10 months to a year.depending on long your light cycle is.The bulbs i use run aroud 90 to 110 bucks apiece.

 

[Serioussnaps]

Hey man. The 175 hamilton with VHO actinics is a great fixture for a 55g IMO. I have two 55g's, one mixed and one new soon to be SPS tank. I had the Hamilton fixture your speaking of but with PC's , worked great, but gotta keep the softies like shrooms and zoas at the bottom of the tank which in my opinion is preferrable anyways. the only reason i sold this fixture a while back was i want to give the T5's a try, i like new stuff and want to check them out. Iwas satisfied with that fixture and it is an unbelievable first lighting fixture for a reefer. You will be able to keep about anything you want.

 

[sales weasel]

For a 55g, two 175w MH will be just fine. You can also use four T5 HO lights and keep anything you want. I had MH but never used them and I went with T5. My only reason was I was afraid of the heat from MH. I'm keeping soft, LPS and SPS.

 

[Serioussnaps]

VHo or PC with the halides it doesnt matter they are only actinics, so your pick, the 10K bulbs(MH) do yellow out the pc's a little so you may want to go VHO as they are more bluish, and also the vhos may put out a little more heat but oh well