UV lens? do I need one?

[Ironaccents]

I have a 55 gal reef tank with not enough light. So I bought a pfo dual 250 watt MH system. What bulbs should I buy. Do I also need actinics? Do I need a reflector? Do I need a uv cover or lens? I would like to have a few different corals and a clam. For now. Is there any corals you could recommend for beginers? I'm kinda new to this so any advise would be greatly appreciated. THANKS Alot, Clayton

[tendar]

Well lets first off yes you will want reflectors for you halides. Reflectors increase your light output effeciency by 50-75%.
Next you dont have to have actinics but most people do to get a better look to the the tank and for sun rise-sun set effects.
You dont need a UV cover because halides other than double ended HQI have UV lense built in to the bulb cover.

As for which bulb is really up to the buyer. The 65K isawakis are yellower but have some of the best par for corals. The 10K usio is considered one oh the best looking bulbs and probably a very good chioce. The 20K are gettng more popular with much bluer look.

Corals to start with mushrooms, leathers, green star polys, zooanthids, and various others.

[Papa Doug]

May I offer this article:

http://aquarium-design.com/reef/uvlighting.html

[Ironaccents]

Wow thanks guys you helped me make some decisions I've been working on for awhile

[Ltspd]

FWIW,

Acrylic will not handle high heat, it will warp and bend and discolor with time.

I am using regular tempared glass as the shield on my HQI canopy. If you look at a AB HQI fixture the glass used is Schott Durax Schott is the company and Durax is their brand name. I spoke with the Engineer for Schott USA when I was designing my HQI hood. I was told that the Durax had no speical UV coating, it was only tempared.

[Papa Doug]

My Lexan covers, lost most of their clarity after some time. I now just use glass covers on my tank. My pendant has also has a tempered glass shield.

[scubadude]

Alot of big names recommend UV with any type of MH but thats more of a legality clause then anything IMO, however HQI will definately need a UV shield....I have 3 HQI's and I did some maintenance one time with the lights right on me for about 10 min and got a tan! Im not kidding!

[Ironreef]

Given the fact tanning beds are vho halides will/may cause a nice sunburn either type