Light options

[dwdenny]

I have been researching and researching for months now about setting up a reef tank. I have a set up in mind that my wife and I both like. Mostly soft corals Ricodea florida, Zoanthus sp, Rhodactis sp, Discosoma sp and maybe some Xenia not sure yet. My tank is a 46 gallon bowfront Oceanic and the demensions are 36.5X16.5X21.5. I am planning on about a three inch sand bed. But my question pertains the the most efficent lighting for this set up. I was thinking one 1X175mh or power compacts or combination of the two. The only problem with one light sourse is the brace in the center. I know that PC will not give me the intensity that MH will but with this set up would MH be an overkill? Maybe not with say a 14k bulb not into all the blue effect to much. I am confused about which one to use for this set up. I don't plan to upgrade however if I do I will more then likely set up an entire new tank. Any help or suggestion would be greatly appreciated to a confused south texas reefer. BTW it is just sitting there empty for the last month and half driving me crazy :evil: and my wife as well she wants it up and going and all I can tell her is that I am researching.

[alexwolf]

for a 36" tank I would use 2 150 or 175w MH. That would be perfect for a shroom tank and zoos!

[Polkster13]

Or you can go 6-T5 bulbs with 3-actinic and 3-10K bulbs. I am in the process of replacing my PC on my 135 gallon tank with just this setup. Get with Greg of 360Reef and he can show you in person the difference between these setups. That way you can see for yourself before you buy.

[dwdenny]

Greg is only six hours north of me so kind of hard to get there. But I will be heading through the Austin Area on the 1st of Feb so Might have to make some stops along the way to College Station.

[btacker]

I had a 46 gallon with 2x96w PCs on it. Everything grew well. With a 3" sandbed, the tank is only 18" deep (personally, I would go ahead with a 4" to get the benefits of a DSB ) and I had plenty of light to grow both softies and SPS. I had good luck with digi and monti.

Anyway, I would recommend the T5s. They are supposed to last longer and have better output. I think that you would have heat problems with 2 MHs. My tank ran hot with just 2x96w PCs!

Plus, there would not be an issue with center brace.