Lighting my 50

[DeLiBoY]

Ok I am considering upgrading my lighting on my 50g. I currently have a 4 bulb IceCap VHO retro setup. I am considering MH. Would 1 MH HQI pendant work for my tank. It is 36 L and 18 H. I was thinking about a 250w 14K centered over my tank.

How high would I have to place it over my tank. I was thinking I cut cut my current canopy and keep 2 of my VHO's to run acintic.

 

[STACKER]

You could get away with a 175 and not have to be too concerned with height much. Definately keep the VHO's and just add the MH. Start running it about 2 hrs. for a week, then 3 for 3 days then 4 for 2 days then 6. Run actinics for 2 hrs. then add whites, then MH then actinics, then off. Simulates the daily cycle pretty.

I have 2 175w ballasts and will be adding the extra light to my tank as soon as I have time and cash to upgrade the plumbing.