Lighting for 55gal

ctiq21 · 12-24-2003, 10:24 AM

Hi everybody,

I have a 55gal tank and am looking to upgrade my lighting so I can support some corals. I am thinking I would at least want some softies.

Would a CustomSeaLife 4 x 65 work?

This is the lighting that would be in my price range.

Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays!

CTIQ21

ScottT1980 · 12-24-2003, 10:27 AM

Yeah, I would think you would be able to handle most softies and LPS with that lighting. I went with the hellolight retrokit (440W VHO). I don't know if you have looked into the retrokits but they realy save you money if you feel competent enough to build a hood.

HTH

Take er easy
Scott T.

blueoceandiver · 12-24-2003, 11:34 AM

i got the 440 watt vho retro from hellolights and am VERY happy and supporting sps with growth.....

mnreefman · 12-25-2003, 12:01 AM

i got a dual 175w mh and 2 55w pc hood... i love it... although i kinda wished it was a 250w

Travis · 12-25-2003, 01:32 AM

Yeah, I'm firmly of the opinion that if you go halide, you should go with 250's in most cases. Just look at the cost of a 175W 10K bulb (about $90) and a 250W 10K bulb (about 60-70).

I was really disappointed with my 175 halide, I went back to PC's and couldn't be happier. But it's a softy tank. If you think you want stoney corals, or will in the future, save ytourself some time and money and just get the halides now.

T

Craig Manoukian · 12-25-2003, 01:36 AM

I concur 100% with Travis on this. Wish I would have gone 250 instead of 175 in MHs for the exact same reason. Keep in mind though, I have consistently found 175 watt 10,000k replacement bulbs, Ushio and Hamilton, for right at $60 dollars if you shop around on-line.

ctiq21 · 12-26-2003, 03:11 PM

Thanks for the input. I think I will go with the customer sea life then.

12-24-2003, 10:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
ctiq21 Tubeworm Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Greeley, CO Posts: 31 View Gallery Karma Komment	Lighting for 55gal Hi everybody, I have a 55gal tank and am looking to upgrade my lighting so I can support some corals. I am thinking I would at least want some softies. Would a CustomSeaLife 4 x 65 work? This is the lighting that would be in my price range. Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays! CTIQ21

12-24-2003, 10:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
ScottT1980 Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 1,484 View Gallery Karma Komment	Yeah, I would think you would be able to handle most softies and LPS with that lighting. I went with the hellolight retrokit (440W VHO). I don't know if you have looked into the retrokits but they realy save you money if you feel competent enough to build a hood. HTH Take er easy Scott T. __________________ My Tank

12-25-2003, 12:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
mnreefman Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,393 View Gallery Karma Komment	i got a dual 175w mh and 2 55w pc hood... i love it... although i kinda wished it was a 250w __________________ http://reefrock.com

12-25-2003, 01:32 AM	#5 (permalink)
Travis Smilie Bartender Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 6,584 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Yeah, I'm firmly of the opinion that if you go halide, you should go with 250's in most cases. Just look at the cost of a 175W 10K bulb (about $90) and a 250W 10K bulb (about 60-70). I was really disappointed with my 175 halide, I went back to PC's and couldn't be happier. But it's a softy tank. If you think you want stoney corals, or will in the future, save ytourself some time and money and just get the halides now. T __________________ Help build the Encyclopedia of ReefKeeping Find over 1400 Reef Aquarium Articles at The Reef Aquarium Index

12-25-2003, 01:36 AM	#6 (permalink)
Craig Manoukian Regular Guy Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Marina Del Ray, CA Posts: 18,037 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	I concur 100% with Travis on this. Wish I would have gone 250 instead of 175 in MHs for the exact same reason. Keep in mind though, I have consistently found 175 watt 10,000k replacement bulbs, Ushio and Hamilton, for right at $60 dollars if you shop around on-line. __________________ Currently tankless. 20 Gallon mini reef with mated pair of Maroon Clowns given to Rougiem! 80 gallon reef given to Rougiem/Wooster HS.

12-24-2003, 11:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
blueoceandiver Midas Blenny Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: rockledge fla. Posts: 92 View Gallery Karma Komment	i got the 440 watt vho retro from hellolights and am VERY happy and supporting sps with growth.....

12-26-2003, 03:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
ctiq21 Tubeworm Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Greeley, CO Posts: 31 View Gallery Karma Komment	Thanks for the input. I think I will go with the customer sea life then.

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