Lighting

[Lisaod12]

I have a 45 gal tank; it's about 33 across, 15 wide and 18 deep.
I do have a wood canopy that measures only about 5 inches deep.

Now I have what I consider a nice 220 power compact system.
I only have 1 xenia and 1 small hard frag that may not even be alive.

I need to get more lighting.? Part of the problem is my lights are only 24' so part of my tank is not very well lit and I have a glass bar about 3 inches wide across the middle of the tank that also obstructs the light.

Due to the cost of this, I may not be able to do it until this winter. I am collecting information and would like everyone’s thoughts on these options I have been considering.

1.) I could add either a 32 watt Smart light or a 55 watt Smart light to my current power compacts, cost about $75.00 Would give me 250 or 295 watts total.

2.) VHO Metal Halide retrofit system (I'd just install it myself, I have a 3' fan) $550.00 My concern is that the Metal Halide would sit too close to the water in my hood. Total Watts 450.

3.) VHO retrofit 4) pair Water-resistant end caps for 20-75w bulbs $275.00
Which would give me 300 watts

4.)VHO retrofit (6) pair Water-resistant end caps for 20-75w bulbs $450.00 which would give me 450 watts

I tempted to go with 1 or 3, but I think 2(if have can do Metal halide with such a low distance from the water) or 4, would be a good investment..
But a real investment.

Any thoughts??

[Henry]

I too would do the metal halide setup and use your pc for dawn/dusk effect on the tank. I also think that you will need to raise your hood just a little bit otherwise a splash of water and the bulb could shatter.

Good luck

Henry

[TexasState]

I finally was able to afford to have two separate lightning system on my tank. One system is for VHO actinic only, and the other is a 20K XDE Gieseman HQI Pendant. It's nice to be able to see the neon florescent from the corals all day long. :lol:

Fishtankrob have a fairly new HQI Metal Halide pendant &Icecap ballast for sale if you are looking to save some money buying locally. Then use your PC for the Extra actinic effect.