Lighting for 46 bowfront

[jordn23]

I have spent the last 3 hrs. on this very detailed and informative site. I love it and just want to say thanks to everybody that shares their info. The problem is that there is just so much of it to process.

I have a 46 bowfront tank. I want to keep mostly soft corals and clams. Eventually I would like to get some hard corals, but that's later down the road.

I have read that T5's are great, and MH are great. I have been on a few different sites pricing everything out. I just don't know which way to go.

I have always used PC's on my 20 gal, but have been reading that it's an old, outdated technology. I was considering 2x96 PC before reading that. Now I'm considering the following:

A 150 W Coralife hang on MH

or should I go with the Sunlight Supply Tek 4x39 or 6x39.

Somebody please help.

 

[zoomfish1]

i had that 46g bowfront. I don't think a clip on 150w MH would afford wnough light if later you wanted to do hard corals. BUT, the 6x39 T5HO with individual reflectors, would do it all.

Individual reflectors are the key here. I believe the Tek fixture comes with those.

 

[RedSoxReefer]

can you explain individual reflectors because i also have a 46 bow with 2 65watt power compacts and 2 t5 22 watt strips

 

[rppvt]

there are reflectors which clip on to each and every individual bulb. very efficient and directional!

 

[jordn23]

Thanks. I was leaning towards the tek. What combo of lights do you recommend?

 

[PPi]

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/ca...d=573&osCsid=a16c048c95e078afde61b4398f59e19e


Check this 36" 5 bulb T5 kit out. I would recommend these 5 bulbs installed in this exact pattern.

1-Aquaz Blue Pro 39 watt
2-Aquaz Ocean Pro 39 watt
3-Aquaz Sun Pro 39 watt
4-Aquaz Blue Pro 39 watt
5-Aquaz Ocean Pro 39 watt

Enjoy.

 

[ordy1]

I've read differing opinions. Most folks say that if they could have gone with dual halides and supplemental actinics instead of straight T-5 HO they would have. From what I've been reading Metal Halide is best for stony corals. Have I ever tested each type and drawn my own conclusion? No. I guess it's what works for you.

with that said I got a PFO dual 175 watt MH with moguls and ballast off ebay for about $110.00 ??? (Can't remember if it was $110 or $114). I got a ballast for two t-5 bulbs that I use for actinics and installed 2 small fans in a homemade hood. The T-5 ballast set me back about $20.00. The water proof connectors, for the T-5 actinics, set me back another $20.00. And it was fun building.

Ordy

 

[msn711]

If you do go with MH, I also recommend using 2. 1 over a 36" tank just leaves too much shadow on the side. 2x150s would be great for all types of corals. With 14k phoenix bulbs, you won't need supplementation with actinics. Of course, I bet the t5s would be cheaper than 2 MHs. Then again, 2 MHs could also be used later if you upgrade to a 4foot tank. 36" t5s would only work on a 36" tank. Just my 2 cents.

 

[areze]

I like MSN's logic. MH's are useful for anything actually, they will work for 48" but add 1 and they'll work for 72" and so on. they are very flexable. no one with MH's ever wishes they didnt have them, they are still king. T5 is very capable, but its just not MH.

Id go with double ended 150w or 250w(250 might be overkill, but will lend itself to a larger tank better; heat could be an issue however)

 

[reefkrazy]

This is the light to go for...