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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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    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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    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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    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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    Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

    ya im going to be getting one of those

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    Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

    Quote Originally Posted by wildernesstank View Post
    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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    Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

    well you need the 48 inch one

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    Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

    Quote Originally Posted by wildernesstank View Post
    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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    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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    Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option



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

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    Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

    Quote Originally Posted by wildernesstank View Post


    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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    Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

    Quote 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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    Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

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

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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?
    400 Gallon Reef Log
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    Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

    Quote Originally Posted by charlie View Post
    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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    Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

    I'll make sure I check back tonite, have a good one!!
    400 Gallon Reef Log
    Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

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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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    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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    Re: 55 Gallon Reef - Lighting option

    Quote Originally Posted by wildernesstank View Post
    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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    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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