Another M H question :)

[junglejonny]

Long story short i currently have a 4 yr old 44g pent softie reef and i am getting a 55g aqua clear system 2 tank i want to switch over to sps need a new challenge. Here is my question this is the lighting system i am thinking about buying 48 inch Current USA SunPod 2x250W 14K HQI-MH w/ 18 Lunar Lights
(wow i don't think i did that link right lol) but any ways for a 55g plus around 3o-40g sump is this to much light for sps coals? I will be running with the 14000k and I'm not sure about metal halites always used pcs but i defiantly want a change and it will be nice to see one light for one fish tank (have you ever tried to put pc lights on a Pentagon tank lol its not easy) but on the search for knowledge I am and a decision must be made so and advice is greatly appreciated

[charlie]

The only problem I see with that fixture is the fact that you are going to create alot of heat. Have you looked into a T5 system that will probably do the same thing for you, and create alot less heat. You don't need MH to grow sps corals, just do a search around here and you will see that!!!!!!
What are the dimensions of the tank?

[junglejonny]

The tank dimensions are 48"L-18"W-20"H.I figured that it would be easer because I would only haft replace 2 bulbs instead of how ever many t5 bulb i would need and i am not using a hood so maybe a cleaner look and the mh penetrate deeper into the tank Are t 5 units cheaper do they require ballasts? Heat hasn't really ever been a problem my house stays pretty cool and I was planning on hanging the lights about a foot or 2 above the tank is there a certain hight the should hang?

[charlie]

The tank dimensions are 48"L-18"W-20"H.I figured that it would be easer because I would only haft replace 2 bulbs instead of how ever many t5 bulb i would need and i am not using a hood so maybe a cleaner look and the mh penetrate deeper into the tank Are t 5 units cheaper do they require ballasts? Heat hasn't really ever been a problem my house stays pretty cool and I was planning on hanging the lights about a foot or 2 above the tank is there a certain hight the should hang?

The cost of the 2 bulbs you are replacing might be equal to or more than the replacement of the bulbs even in a 6 bulb T5 fixture. I spend 85-100 per bulb on my system.
I have my halides 13 inches above the waterline, and if it wasn't for fans in the summertime, I would be able to hardboil eggs I think. Ireally think you should take a serious look at some of the T5 systems that are out there, JMHO.

[junglejonny]

I am wondering why you are suggesting the t5s over the metal halites are you unhappy with your metal halites? What are the pros and cons in you opinion on both fixtures? I was going to use the 14k bulbs do they have these in t5 because i was tring to avoid having to use actinic lights in the system. Do you have any links to fixtures you would recommend for my tank Casco Group Wow i just realized the the tanks detentions state that it is a 75 g not a 55g weird hmmm.

[charlie]

I am wondering why you are suggesting the t5s over the metal halites are you unhappy with your metal halites? What are the pros and cons in you opinion on both fixtures? I was going to use the 14k bulbs do they have these in t5 because i was tring to avoid having to use actinic lights in the system. Do you have any links to fixtures you would recommend for my tank Casco Group Wow i just realized the the tanks detentions state that it is a 75 g not a 55g weird hmmm.

I know exactly what it costs to run metal halides, and what is involved with them, therefore, I thought I might be offering you a cheaper way to light your system. I am not unhappy at all with what I have, nor am I going to change what I have.
As I stated before, T5 fixtures run MUCH cooler than halides, and with careful placement of corals, you can grow anything you want!!!!!!
here is a link to all the T5 lighting that I would look at.
Aquarium Fluorescent Lighting

Hope this helps

[junglejonny]

Thank you very much for time you have spent answering my questions I still feel for some odd reason inclined to run the metal halites Ive always wanted some and i hope with fans on surface and sump and maybe a chiller in the future hopefully Ill be able to keep the temp at a normal temp I have always seen the sweetest reefs running with metal halites and stupidly alway go for the more expensive of my options hoping that maybe quality will last me longer and out preform the lesser of the two thanks again and talk to you soon!!