lighting - 55 gallon tank and sps

[ReefKeeperRob]

I've been doing FOWLR for the last year in my 55 gallon tank with some unsuccessful results trying to keep a few sps pieces here and there. Currently I have a current sundial 4 bulb light. I upgraded the bulbs which I selected after looking at Grims thread and info from the LFS about 5 months ago. I would like to grow anything anywhere in my tank and I don't think this light is going to cut it. I want to do this right this time.

Options I've been considering:

An ATI 4 or 6 bulb T5 light. Are one of these lights going to accomplish my goal? Which one would you select? My tank is in my bedroom so the low heat output of a T5 setup is appealing.

A metal halide/t5 4' Maristar light from Bulk Reef Supply. Are the dual 250 watt halides appropriate for my tank?

Any other suggestions?

 

[Shock130]

I have retro 4x T5 over my 55. been successful with sps.

I dont know if the 6 bulb would fit over the 55, so i would go 4, or the halide, or get a new tank like i am, like a 50 breeder to get better tank dimensions!

 

[Aristarchus]

I'd say stick with the 4 bulbs. If yours doesn't have individual reflectors I would consider upgrading to one with individuals. I'm pretty positive a 6 bulb would hang over the front and back of your tank if it is a standard 55g. I just recently installed a retro 4x 54w T5 set up, each of my reflectors touch and I highly doubt I could squeeze in 1 more reflector and not have any overhang. The power use and heat generated with a MH set up probably wouldn't be worth it in your situation, unless you like sleeping in a warm room. Also, since your room would be warmer then you would most likely need to get a chiller sometime down the road. Don't get me wrong, I love MH's but they aren't necessary in every situation.

I have seen some pretty amazing SPS tanks running T5's so it is definitely possible.

I suggest taking my opinions with a grain of salt because I still don't have my tank running yet!

 

[ReefKeeperRob]

So it seems a 4 bulb t5 fixture would work.

I want to make it clear though that I don't want to have to put sps or other light loving corals at the top of the tank. I want lighting to be a non issue after I upgrade.

Would my Current Sundial cut it or would I need to upgrade to an ATI or TEK? There are individual reflectors on the Sundial light but I'm told they aren't the best by the LFS - anyone else know?

If I were to go to MH how many watts do I need?

 

[dahc1979]

I have the 48 inch four bulb Tek on my 55 gallon tank and I love it. I dont have any SPS, but I have some LPS, and a bunch of softies. I have corals from the substrate to the top of the tank and havent had any problems with it at all.

 

[RSJennings]

T5 will grow sps corals very well as long as the corals are high in the tank the deeper you go the less effective the light becomes.