<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10858300#post10858300 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Justin74
True, but a lumenarc would probably be to wide especially if it's a 55g standard.
-Justin
Thats what got me thinking that the T5s would be better for this application. Considering the fact that it is a 55g and if he stays in it, the odds are about a 100% he will upgrade within a year or so to a deeping/bigger tank and not worrying about heat issues or the need for chiller as with MH.
I guess the biggest questions my man.......are you going to use a hood on the tank or not. And as Edwin was asking, what KIND of stuff do you want to keep eventually.
Yes: slam as many retrofit T5s you can fit in there.
No: Hang a MH pendant......(DE's may be better in this application due to the small tank, and that the DEs are a bit narrower in the spead) Without the hood, you can have more lighting without room restriction and eliminate most, if not all heat issues that could be a problem due to enclosing MH lights. You could probably get away with one 250 and put lower light stuff on the edges.
I don't think the tek lighting or Coralife Aqualife kits will fit over a 55g because it would be too narrow.
Anyway, I love to design stuff and think this is the funnest part of owning a tank which is why I am so interested in these type of threads.......I guess thats why I became an Engineer. As well, I spent a lot of money buying more lighting when I didn't buy enough and would hate for anyone else to do the same.
Even if you have to wait a bit, buy the most and best type that is right for what you want to keep and that you can afford.
