Lighting Help

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[jerryB]

I recently aquired an 80 gal setup (thanks Kylem) and am a little unsure of the lighting I will need. I really dont want to be restricted on what I put into my tank, but yet obviously dont want to spend a fortune on electrical bills or extravgant lighting systems since I am relatively new to this. Any ideas? Would a 250 watt MH be a wise choice with this size tank? How do the T-5's compare in effectiveness and cost? What wattage per gal. would be recommended for each of these lighting systems. I really appreciate any suggestions and assistance. Also, anyone have a lighting system for sale? I have a partial lighting system for MH but will need the balance (no ballasts).
Thanks in advance!

Jerry

[Ed]

Jerry,
    A couple 250 watt ballast would work with good reflectors if you want a tank to grow anything.   Remember the more wattage the more heat dispersed into your tank with MH.   I would get the best reflector possible and use a minimum of light if it were me.   A 400 watt bulb averages 30 inches of penetration, a 250 covers 24 inches, a 175 I would assume 16 inches.    I am not sure if you called me on phone.   But I lost your number because someone in family deleted message.   

[jerryB]

I appreciate the info. I was just afraid to put too much light into that size of tank. I have an orange tree sponge and have ricordeas and gorgonias along with some pink people eaters and didnt know if the MH would blast them with too much light. What about T-5's? Would they consume less electricity with simular performance? Thanks again!

[reefbegood]

what is the H#L#W of the tank

[jerryB]

The outside dim. are 48L x 18W x 23H.  What about a MH on one end, and a T-5 on the other?  Thanks!

[jimbo]

jerry what do you want to keep in your tank? i have two 55 gal tanks growing soft,lps,sps corals and anemones with 4 65 watt compacts. 4 t5 full lenth would do the same. if you want clams well james fatheree said metal halide is what they need but you might start looking into a chiller even with 175s hope this helps

[jerryB]

With the T-5's or compacts, a chiller may not be necessary? Sounds like the less expensive way to go. I would like to try my hand at different kind of corals, and would one day like to get a clam, but if I can raise just about anything except clams with the less expensive method, I may take that route.

[The Apprentice]

Hi Jerry I have a 75 gallon tank that I run 2 250 watt HQI MH with 2 actinic 46" bulbs in a older custom PFO fixture It requires a 1/4 hp chiller to keep it at a constant,  It started out as a SPS clam tank with anomie's as well..
IF what i have learned with t-5 tech I would try this and you should have pretty good results..Here is some shots of it with 20K Radiums on it
Best of luck,
Jeff