lighting question?

[sharkboy]

I am looking at getting a 150 watt metal halide light that normally comes for the 20x20x20 cube from current usa. I will be placing it over a 54 gallon corner tank that is 23" tall. What do you all think regarding whether this is enough...I would like to keep some sps, clams, and other corals. One of the issues I have with this light is that it only comes with the one bulb (no actinics). Maybe there is something out there to supplement this light that you can hang off of the edge of the tank. This is the link that shows the light...

http://www.current-usa.com/solana.html

[erikharrison]

The Solana 3 has an outer orbit fixture on it. At least that what it looks like!

[cpreefguy]

Corner tanks are tricky to light due to their shape. With a 150w Id be worried about its penetration on a 23" deep tank. Why not go with a 250w in a lumenarc mini reflector? I think that would give your tank sufficient spread and penetration.

[sharkboy]

if i go with a 250 lumenarc mini, how do I supplement for actinics or do I go with a 12K bulb?

[lhoy]

Go with the 250 if you are serious about sps and clams. If you go to 14K you don't really need to supplement. I use Phoenix 14k's and love them.

Lee

[caferacermike]

I am a fan of my Phoenix bulbs. I'd go for the 250W as it doesn't really cost much more if you are at the buying point now. I prefer to buy more than I need as I find it much easier to scale down than try to make it right on down the road.