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55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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Old 08-28-2007, 10:02 AM   #1
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55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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
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Old 08-28-2007, 12:35 PM   #2
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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.
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Old 08-28-2007, 03:23 PM   #3
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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.
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Old 08-28-2007, 03:37 PM   #4
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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!
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Old 08-28-2007, 04:27 PM   #5
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

ya im going to be getting one of those
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Old 08-28-2007, 04:30 PM   #6
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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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
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Old 08-28-2007, 04:45 PM   #7
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

well you need the 48 inch one
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Old 08-28-2007, 05:21 PM   #8
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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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!
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Old 08-28-2007, 05:41 PM   #9
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

I think the going rate for Saltwater if you want it equipped well is $40-50 per gallon. EEEK!
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Old 08-28-2007, 05:45 PM   #10
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option



this is one of my 55, the other 55 is going to be sps
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Old 08-28-2007, 05:52 PM   #11
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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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!
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Old 08-29-2007, 08:09 AM   #12
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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Originally Posted by 03sonicstang View Post
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.
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Old 08-29-2007, 08:27 AM   #13
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

A normal 55 is 4'x1'x17" I believe.
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Old 08-29-2007, 08:31 AM   #14
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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?
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Old 08-29-2007, 08:53 AM   #15
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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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!
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Old 08-29-2007, 08:55 AM   #16
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

I'll make sure I check back tonite, have a good one!!
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Old 08-29-2007, 01:55 PM   #17
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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)
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Old 08-29-2007, 05:28 PM   #18
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

i have one works great, its made kinda cheap but its kicking .... totally worth it
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Old 08-29-2007, 06:02 PM   #19
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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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!
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Old 08-29-2007, 06:04 PM   #20
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Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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
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