Most Intense Lighting Possible

[Jayhawk88]

Hi there. I'm new to the hobby, and plan to set up my 55 gallon (48L X 12W X 21H) tank very soon. I don't know what I'll eventually put in this tank, but I would like to have the most intense lighting possible so that my options won't be limited. It has an oak canopy that is 14 inches wide and 7 inches tall. There is only about 5 inches of space between the top of the canopy and the top of the aquarium, so if I went with metal halides, I'm thinking that I would just trash the canopy and get a full hood. However, I don't want to have to use a chiller (too expensive, and I don't know where I would put it). So would metal halides work for me, or do they always require a chiller? Exactly how hot is too hot for an aquarium? We do keep our house pretty cool in the summer (about 72 degrees), and I do plan on having a sump for this tank if that makes a difference. The tank wouldn't be in direct sunlight, but it would be against a wall.

If metal halides are out, would you suggest VHOs,T5s, or PCs. Any particular brands or setups that you recommend? If I went with VHOs, T5s, or PCs, I could get a retrofit and make use of my current canopy, correct? Or would you recommend using a fixture that sits right on my glass top?

Thanks for your help!

[Poseidon]

If you want SPS and Clams do the Halides, if you are after LPS like Brain corals and Blasstomoussa then I would do VHO... It would be tight but I think you could squeeze 6 VHO bulbs over the tank.

Also the tank is going to run around 78 degrees for the corals... I have halides myself they are 7" over the water so you would definately need to go with a full hood type fixture if you want to go that way...

Here is an excellent halide system...

http://www.captivereefs.com/captiver...CatID=lt-mh48#

http://oceanencounter.com/Merchant2/...tegory_Code=AQ

[Jayhawk88]

Thanks for the help!

[kevinpo]

Hello Jayhawk88 and Welcome to Reefland

I would go with a couple of 250W bulbs. If you mount them about 9" off the water and use 2 - 4" fans, one on each end of the canopy, you should be able to keep your temperature 82F or below if the ambient temp. is kept 72 or less. You will be able to keep even the most light demanding corals more than halfway to the bottom of the tank.

Regards,
Kevin

[jdfenn]

jayhawk

It is nice to see someone else from kansas in this forum. I live in lawrence and have a 150 gallon reef tank. Where were you planning on buying the tank. Or do you already have it. If you need any help with anything I will be glad to lend you a local hand. Let me know if you need help with anything.

785-331-0524
Jeff fenn
coralcazy@hotmail.com