[gebrony]

right now i have 160 watts of flourescent on the tank and i was wondering if this would be enough for maybe an anenome or two or perhaps some soft coral

[Reefland]

I'm guessing this is just 4-40w normal output flourescent? If so, this really isn't enough lighting to support any coral and definitely no anemones. For corals would recommend VHO or Power Compact lighting (never dealt with T-5's personally) and for anemone's I would use nothing less than Metal Halide lighting.

[yankeebobo]

I second Scott's recommendation. Power Compacts or VHO lighting is the minimum requirements. Anemones, Acros or Clams - then you need the metal halide.

[Poseidon]

Make it 3! I used PC's over my 55 and I had success with many softies and LPS, but not anemones or SPS.

[Peterock]

does your tank have a canopy if so I would go with a 175 watt dual MH setup or either adding about another 200+ watts of P/C power.

[charlie]

You could probably get away with PC's or VHO for the softies. I guess I'm agreeing with what everybody else is saying!!

[gebrony]

ok would one 400w metal halide do the job i am looking for because i have found on ebay complete setups for around $90 from plus lighting

[charlie]

Originally Posted by gebrony

ok would one 400w metal halide do the job i am looking for because i have found on ebay complete setups for around $90 from plus lighting

yeah, it would do the job. You may have some heating issues, depending on how close you put that thing to the surface. If this is a 3' tank, you will have some shady spots on both ends, but that isn't a big deal.
Does your tank have a center brace??

[yankeebobo]

Your goal is to cover the span of the tank. The 400W would certainly do the job. But I believe IMHO that 2 lower w bulbs (1 on each half) would be better suited in the sense that you are taking that light and covering all areas. A 'basic' rule would be to have each MH cover 2 feet of tank length. With that said, the 55 also has a middle support, so the tank would lose a lot of light if placed off center. You can't put the MH in the middle and get away with it like a long PC setup.

I would go 2 250's - one on each side of the tank.

[gebrony]

has anyone ever heard of aquauniverse.com because right now on ebay i am looking at a complete 2x250 setup for a 48" hood for $235

[charlie]

Originally Posted by gebrony

has anyone ever heard of aquauniverse.com because right now on ebay i am looking at a complete 2x250 setup for a 48" hood for $235

No, do you have a link?

[yankeebobo]

I can't say as I have. However, when I attempt to go to the website directly, I receive "Bandwidth Limit Exceeded". Hmmm That doesn't sit well with me.

[gebrony]

heres a link to the auction

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWA:IT

[gebrony]

how about building your own system, is that complicated i have found 2 250w ballasts for about $20. Would it be complicated to wire?

[Reefland]

If your not familiar with electronics I personally wouldn't mess with a DIY, although some might be able to help guide you through it. Take a look at our various sponsors here at Reefland, they all sell reputable kits for reasonable prices.

[gebrony]

i am somewhat fimiliar with electronics and wiring and i am bidding on two 250w ballasts right now and with all my research it looks like the ballasts are simply plug and play, that is of course after i alter my homemade hood to accomidate two sockets with reflectors?????????

[Reefland]

Cool! Be sure to let us know how it works out for you! I just was checking out Premium Aquatics and see they have 250w ballasts that need wiring in their Close Out section for $40 each. They already have a nice enclosure over them.

[gebrony]

i was checking out reef tank lighting on ebay and they have sockets with 14" reflectors for $19 each i think, is this a good deal?

[Reefland]

You ought to check them out directly through our sponsors page and get the discount coupon from their banner. Yeah that's not a bad price I wouldn't think.