MH lighting advice

[Chuck]

I am about to setup a grow out tank for my xenia and zoanthids.
I found a real nice 75gl oceanic & stand and would like to put a set of MH lights on it. I am not planning to have a canopy but would rather have a setup like Troy's or pendant. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chuck

[R.Allard]

if its going to be a grow out tank i would put 2 VHO atinics with 2 175w 10k
MH and only turn the MH on for about 4.5 to 5 hrs a day and keep the atinics on 10 to 12 hrs a day..
just my opinion
R.

[TexasState]

What kind of stuff do you plan on growing? Can you afford $600 for a MH/HQI setup? Plus $150 or more per year for changing out two bubls?

If you want a cheaper route, get an Icecap 660 Ballast, buy four 65K T12 Daylight bulbs from HD for $12, get a $10 to $20 shop light pendant from Wal-Mart or the hardware store. You can grow most type of soft and LPS corals in this type of cheap florescent setup. These bulbs will only around $15 per year to replace versus ($150 in MH.)

If you buy four T5 65K bulbs instead, then you'll be able to keep most type of corals provided that you have enough calcium & filtration.

If you're still bent on spending $600 on MH/HQI w/ actinic supplememantion, please email me privately and I can try to help you out.