55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

[03sonicstang]

Hi Everyone; I'm putting together my "plan of action" for my first reef aquarium attempt. I got my Pump, Sump, Overflow and Skimmer ordered and now thinking about lights. I plan on housing (2) Clowns, (3) Royal Gramma and maybe a Flame Angel. I want to house a anenome and other corals.

This link below seems to good to be true; any thoughts? I have a 400WATT Indoor MH Grow lamp that think is going up on Ebay as it may be a little overkill! Thanks


24" 380W Metal Halide System (Electronic Version) - 504003

[Zoanuts]

I am not familiar with that brand but you have a great plan to add T5 or MH. Your Anemone and other corals will appreciate it.

[Clay12340]

The brand is sort of a chinese knock off, but their prices are ridiculously cheap. I've got a PC fixture of that brand on one of my freshwaters. I can't claim that it is the best quality, but its been burning every day for over a year with no problems. On a freshwater forum I post on a lot of people use their eheim equivalent filters and really like them.

I doubt their products will withstand the test of time. However, at $179 for a MH + PC combo you can probably replace it every 2 years and still be ahead of the game cost wise. That same AB fixture would likely cost 4-5 times as much. The difference in performance is anyone's guess and should weigh into your decision somehow.

Your 400 watt isn't really overkill depending on the corals you keep. A lot of species will handle that amount just fine even in a small tank. It will likely work as well or better than the fixture you are planning to buy.

[03sonicstang]

Man now I'm confused; like the idea of a complete package with the Moon lights with the CF's; I would need a new bulb for my current 400 as it was an indoor grow lamp. Also i really did not want to hang from the ceiling which I think would be the only way to mount!

[wildernesstank]

ya im going to be getting one of those

[03sonicstang]

ya im going to be getting one of those

I know that's what I'm thinking; but do I buy (2) as I have a 55 ga with the ever so popular divider

[wildernesstank]

well you need the 48 inch one

[03sonicstang]

well you need the 48 inch one

Hello??? ....Man I think I was just hoping that the cleapest one would work. Man just a little 55 can cost a boat load!

[Zoanuts]

I think the going rate for Saltwater if you want it equipped well is $40-50 per gallon. EEEK!

[wildernesstank]

this is one of my 55, the other 55 is going to be sps

[03sonicstang]

this is one of my 55, the other 55 is going to be sps

WOW; that is just beautiful! So what light are you using? obviously with sucCess!

[charlie]

I know that's what I'm thinking; but do I buy (2) as I have a 55 ga with the ever so popular divider

What are the dimensions of your tank? If it is a normal 55, I beleive it is only 3' wide correct?
A MH lite will cover a 2x2 area.

[Clay12340]

A normal 55 is 4'x1'x17" I believe.

[charlie]

Sounds like we are both gonna learn something here, huh? The 55 I had was 3' wide, so I guess we'll have to wait and see what he says. If it is 4' wide, I would think he would be able to get away with 2-250W mh, due to the 17" depth. That would enable him to get just about anything he wanted down the road, don't you think?

[03sonicstang]

Sounds like we are both gonna learn something here, huh? The 55 I had was 3' wide, so I guess we'll have to wait and see what he says. If it is 4' wide, I would think he would be able to get away with 2-250W mh, due to the 17" depth. That would enable him to get just about anything he wanted down the road, don't you think?

I'm at work this morning and will measure the tank tonight and report back; thanks for all the suggestions! I want to make sure everyone is happy and healthy once I get started up!

[charlie]

I'll make sure I check back tonite, have a good one!!

[03sonicstang]

I know this one is @ ebay but seems to be a good deal and nice unit.

Any thoughts? thanks

48'' Metal Halide T5 HO Aquarium Light 2X 150 Moon New - (eBay item 290154355451 end time Aug-30-07 04:39:58 PDT)

[wildernesstank]

i have one works great, its made kinda cheap but its kicking .... totally worth it

[03sonicstang]

i have one works great, its made kinda cheap but its kicking .... totally worth it

Which one the first or second one? Your tanks looks great again!

[03sonicstang]

My tank is 48-1/2" Long x 12-3/4 Wide x 20 - 3/4 High. The opening is 11-1/2 x 23" on both sides. Thanks again