jason the filter freak September 4, 2006 Share September 4, 2006 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex wlazlak September 4, 2006 Share September 4, 2006 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason the filter freak September 4, 2006 Author Share September 4, 2006 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbartco September 4, 2006 Share September 4, 2006 think about what you eill need when you upgrade the 55. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emissary September 4, 2006 Share September 4, 2006 If it were me, I'd do a pair of 175 watters and actinics. Stage the actinics in slot #1, MH later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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