[cuttingrass]

1) I need a light setup for a 65 gallon 36L X 24H X 18Deep. The aquarium has a center beam. I originally wanted to get 1 400 W MH, and tear my 130 PC light apart on my 30Gal and run 2 blue actinics along with the MH. but the center beam would probably cause shadows, am I right? Can I take the center beam out or is it needed for tank support? If it is I would probably need 2 MH's one on each side of the beam to prevent shadows, right?

2)Also what is the difference between MH's they sell specifically for use with reefs then the ones they use as flood lights, plants, parking lot lights?

[charlie]

I think you could get by with 2- 250w MH for this tank. I have a 3' retro fit reflector that I use over my refugium, so it is doable.
Do not take your center brace out.
The MH that they sell for grow lights are a different spectrum than what you are going to use for a reef tank.

[cuttingrass]

why are grow lights so much less then aquarium lights? just b/c the companies say so. arent the lighting systems for grow lights and reef tanks the same they just have different bulbs that make the spectrums

[cuttingrass]

http://www.lightingcloseout.com/prod...4&CategoryID=3

the link above is astore i found some MH's at,im gonna call the store tomarow for more details. looks like a good deal, but it could also be crap. if i were to get differnt bulbs then what it comes with, wouldnt that change the spectrum. its comes with 4000k bulbs.

[Reefland]

That's isn't any cheaper than anything else...when you look at it.

First the ballast in ANSI M58, these are readily available at electrical supply stores. Secondly, this system comes with no pendent or reflector and you will want this to get the most from the system. Lastly, the bulb is no good so your looking at a high cost there. In the long run your better just getting an aquarium related setup instead of getting bits and pieces from here and there.