Lighting Questions

[deluxe_noob]

Ok finally getting my lights together. My plan for the 55 is to be a zoa tank.
I have a 150w MH, just ordered a Ushio 14k HQI bulb. I also ordered a tek t-5 retro kit (2lamp) and gonna run prob 1 10k and 1 20k. Now my dilema is I am really considering getting another 150w MH. DO i need it?I just got my moon lights in its the Lunar lights by current USA i ordered 4 blue and 2 white, not sure which configuration i am wanting to run yet so i ordered 6. I thought about putting the whites on a dimmer so i could somewhat simulate the moons cycles. Give me some feedback.

 

[Im Lon 2]

I would think 2 would be a lot more brighter, and beneficial for the zoo's

 

[Schplitter]

I am freshly convinced that you can not have too much light. As long as you can keep up with Ameren go for it..

BK

 

[sirreal63]

I would do two...but if this is a standard 55 which is 12" wide...that is a lot to squeeze into a 12" space. The T5's will take up 4-5" by themselves.

 

[biz50]

i would do 2 250 and 150 in the middle

 

[DOTZ]

No point to have one in the middle since there is a center brace, plus halide light up a 24 to 30 inch area and the tank is only 48 inches long.

 

[Im Lon 2]

I agree.. Plus the 2 150 will light a 5 just fine.

 

[deluxe_noob]

yea i decided at work the 2 150's it is! Glad you guys confirmed that for the most part.
As far as Power companies i belong to a Co-op which is SWEET and my bill has never been over 150 bucks in over a year.
It is a standard 55 if the 2 MH's are gonna do a good enough job then i can save the t-5s for my 75 (which is just sitting here looking empty). What about the moon lights. Any of you reefers have some pics you wanna share? I think the white on a dimmer would be a cool effect but have never seen white moonlights before on a tank.

 

[Im Lon 2]

The T5's would be a great Dust Dawn effect for the tank. If you can fit them in there.