Lighting

[jason the filter freak]

I really don't want to bump the Irwin thread...

 

I need to know about lighting

 

I have a regular 55 gallon tank that I want to have some soft corals in it eventually

 

I'm very worried about heat

Right now I have a 150 Metal Halide buld, with two 24 watt actenics

 

Would 3 175 watt MH fixtures with I suppose a 65 watt actenic be enough or would I want closer to two 300 watt bulbs,

 

How much heat am I looking at from that much lighting as well? I plan to have them about 7-9 inches off the waters surface in an open back canopy

[Guest alex wlazlak]

all you need is either 2 175 watt bulbs or 2 250 watt bulbs. you dont need 3 bulbs for a 55g, 1 MH bulb covers 2x2'. with the actinics, you probly want 2 or 4 24" 65 watt bulbs..good luck.

[jason the filter freak]

I was thinking with 3 bulbs I could have them come on at one hour inteverals closer to what day light would be like

 

Bulb number #1 on at 11:30 AM

Bulb number #2 on at 12:30 PM

Bulb number #3 on at 1:30 PM

 

then

 

Bulb number #1 off at 9:30 PM

Bulb number #2 off at 10:30 PM

Bulb number #3 off at 11:30 PM

 

WhaT DOES anyONE think about the strenght of the lights?

 

Is there any significant diffrence in heat out put from a 250 watt as opposed to a 175 and 150 watt bulb in terms of radiated heat?

 

Do i really need to have the lights come on and off at diffrent times or should I just have them all come on at once?

[dbartco]

think about what you eill need when you upgrade the 55.

[emissary]

If it were me, I'd do a pair of 175 watters and actinics. Stage the actinics in slot #1, MH later.