Lighting help

[underseaworld]

I have a 135 gal system. It length is 72" depth is 20". I have two 36" Coralife Lunar Aqualight Moonlight Hoods e/w 2 x 96 watt power compact bulbs in each hood. I now see that Coralife now has the same light system e/w 2 x 96 watt pc and metal halide. The lights are very expensive. I spent good money on the lights that I have and did not want to change the lights out if I do not have too.
LFS guy said this was enough for my tank. But I seem to have problems with certain typs of corals. Xenia, flower pots,torches. My soft leather corals and polyps do great.

On the other hand I have a friend that has 4-72" VHO lights on her 125gal system and all the coral looks great. Should I go with that to change out my lights? I can change out the lights for $362.00. VHO will last longer from what I have heard and the bulbs are cheaper.
What should I do? arrggg... Lights Lights and more lights....

My question is should I add more light to this tank? Do I add some metal halide to it. If so what should I look for in a metal halide? What wattage should I get?

As you can see I am very confussed on this one....

[Poseidon]

Yes I would say you need better lighting... Especially if you want to keep corals! Forget the flower pots! They NEVER last long, so don't waste your money on them... Next time just send me a check for $50, it will all work out the same... ;;

I have 2 250 watt MH over my 135, I will add a third this year. Right now the 12" on each end of the tank is a little darker then I would like, but still supports softies and some LPS... I paid $470 for my setup, I think you could do a little better then that now... I also use a single VHO actinic to supplement the color, works perfect for me, with the 10K's...

Ideally you would add 3, 250W MH in whatever spectrum you like 6.5K 10K, or the Radium 20K, Scott has those, and really likes them...

That setup would cost you a little more, but the only thing you would ever have to buy again is replacement bulbs. I replace mine every 12 months!

[underseaworld]

This is a retro fit kit that is being sold by Sharkysreef.com is this a good unit. For my tank? Has anyone purchased from him? What bulb should I use? I really have no clue when it comes to lighting.

Thanks for the help....

Electronic MH Retro Kit - 250 W

Information
400 watts

Ballast Info -
7 1/4" by 5 1/2" by 4 1/4"
The two cords are about 10 ft that come with

Spider Reflection Info -
predrilled
shipped with protective covering
16 " by 13 1/2" by 4 1/2"

Bulb Info
400 watt bulb of your choice (10K, 14K, or 20K)


Description:
These kits are very easy to retro into your existing system. They require little or no maintenance. Each kit includes: 1 electronic ballast, 1 spider reflector, 1 MH lamp (bulb of your choice), 1 mogul socket and 1 bracket. We also use these in the store. Very Nice. Piece of cake to set up...

[Poseidon]

That sounds like a nice kit... I would suggest 250's instead of 400 though. Less heat, and you don't need the added intensity!

[underseaworld]

What kind of bulb should I use? I have so many question and do not know where to start. . Should I use this unit along with My existing lights. Or do I get a retrofit kit also for VHO lights?

That sounds like a nice kit... I would suggest 250's instead of 400 though. Less heat, and you don't need the added intensity!

[john shin]

I have a 135 gal system. It length is 72" depth is 20". I have two 36" Coralife Lunar Aqualight Moonlight Hoods e/w 2 x 96 watt power compact bulbs in each hood. I now see that Coralife now has the same light system e/w 2 x 96 watt pc and metal halide. The lights are very expensive. I spent good money on the lights that I have and did not want to change the lights out if I do not have too.
LFS guy said this was enough for my tank. But I seem to have problems with certain typs of corals. Xenia, flower pots,torches. My soft leather corals and polyps do great.

On the other hand I have a friend that has 4-72" VHO lights on her 125gal system and all the coral looks great. Should I go with that to change out my lights? I can change out the lights for $362.00. VHO will last longer from what I have heard and the bulbs are cheaper.
What should I do? arrggg... Lights Lights and more lights....

My question is should I add more light to this tank? Do I add some metal halide to it. If so what should I look for in a metal halide? What wattage should I get?

As you can see I am very confussed on this one....

hey i got a six month old hamilton w 20k xm blubs 3 400 wtt and pcs too im asking $600 plus shipping can e mail you pics flung23@yahoo.com or jus give me a call 213 842 9273 i down sizing my set up its 72" long
thanks
john
ps im in los angeles ca

[underseaworld]

Thanks John, but I just bought a system it comes with 2 - 110 watt Vho bulbs and 3 - 250 watt mogul base metal Halide bulbs. I got this system for $589. Sorry.... Your unit was in the price range of what I was looking for.

hey i got a six month old hamilton w 20k xm blubs 3 400 wtt and pcs too im asking $600 plus shipping can e mail you pics flung23@yahoo.com or jus give me a call 213 842 9273 i down sizing my set up its 72" long
thanks
john
ps im in los angeles ca