Lighting for Hex

[dragonladylea]

Have a question, I have a 35 hex and want to add light for caps and digi's. I have a 96W quad retro right now. Here's the dilemma I have chili's and sunpolyps that I don't want to get rid of. Being a Hex of course my rockwork goes straight up and the top is only 8" from the lights - bottom is 20" what is the best bet for lighting to keep both of these types of coral?? The current lighting is suspended and I have a glass top on the tank (I clean it daily).

[acer]

I have 440 watt VHO on a 90 gallon and my sun polyps are doing well on the bottom -with a outcropping of rock work that semi shields them from direct light.

[Reefland]

I would go with a small halide. A 150w DE or 175 would be good.

[Poseidon]

I agree with Scott, a 150W DE should be GREAT, especially if you get a 20K.

[dragonladylea]

How about adding T-5's to what I already have?

[golfish]

I'm with the other mods....pop the top off the tank and go with a single MH pendant and forget all that other nonsense lighting;)

[The Grim Reefer]

The T5's are a bad idea in your case. The halide would create more shaded areas in the rocks where you can keep the lower light critters. The T5's pump out more light than the halide and eliminate a lot of the shaded areas you need.

[Poseidon]

More then even the amount of light, for T5's you would need more space then the top of your tank would provide. Add to that the fact that halide being a "point source" of light, you will get the shadows needed for the low light guys.

[golfish]

The T5's pump out more light than the halide

[dragonladylea]

Okay now I've been looking at all the MH pendants and Ballast and am more confused than ever. I need something that is cost effective both on parts and electricity. (Lost one job to business closing and just had my overtime cut completely on the other job) That said until I find another ambulance company that is hiring I need inexpensive.

As far as creating shadows I dont think I will have to much trouble with that the aquascape I did created a big cave that houses the chili and sunpolyps.

[dragonladylea]

T-5's or MH retro?? Which is going to be most cost effective and which wattage??

[dragonladylea]

Just sent paypal for a Hamilton 175mh pendant and ballast. Thanks for all your advise.

[Poseidon]

YAY! I'll bet you really like it, and if you ordered it from Debbie, I'll bet you have it tomorrow!

[dave00gt]

Just sent paypal for a Hamilton 175mh pendant and ballast. Thanks for all your advise.

please post pictures of this setup , as i also have a 42 gallon hex also and was thinking of a metal halide pendant as well.