Help with lighting

I am new at this, and purchased a 48" Coralife 4x65 PC, because they (LFS) suggested that T5s (what I was going to buy) would torch and bleach anemones in a 55G.

My wife would like to put clams in, and I hate being limited by technology or gear.

SO, I am thinking T5s, Metal Halides and lunar LEDs in a 48". Can someone point me in the right direction?

I have read bad things about Odyssey, and have seen the $400-600 dollar red district specials on eBay. What are the good companies? I am looking to spend less than 1000 if possible.

Please help!

 

are you looking to buy new or used? do you have a canopy?

 

i have a quick question will 4x54 t5 grow sps in a 55 so 216 watts = 4wpg so can i grow clams and sps

 

I do not have a canopy.

Used or new. Just weary of strangers and gear that I'm not familiar with.

 

you should not have any problems with it as I did with a 8 bulb fixture and decided to take 4 or those bulbs out.

 

I have the coral life pro fixture on my 55 in 150's though I love it and the LED's are nice and Strong. but mine is with PC's not t5 I personally love this fixture. but pricey.

 

Is there ANYway you can bring it back to the store? Exchange? Sell? I would esp working at a LFS... as long as you just recently bought it, try to return it... Ask for the manager/owner and tell them that their employees gave you bogus information and that if they don't do something to rectify it they will lose your business and potential others... I know its harsh but I have been on both sides of the LFS fence... Granted the one I work at is very lenient with things like that and we will NEVER bs someone... If I am gone and someone has a question over lighting they get a number for me to call or call me.. In this hobby with all the forums and internet sites, BSing someone is like business suicide. If you can't return it, don't get irrate, just try to sell it quickly via web before it depreciates anymore... unfortunately you will get pennies on the dollar for PC fixtures.

Yes 4 lamps over a 55 is enough for SPS and clams IF you have GOOD REFLECTORS(SLR) GOOD LAMPS and GOOD WATER QUALITY.

I would not recommend that personal fixture for two reasons, A. Its overpriced for what it is, B they are rereleasing it without PC and it will have T5 soon. Not the best of T5 but its better than energy sucking expensive PC lamps.
On a 55 I would go with a 4 lamp T5 fixture, such as a Tek or try a TX5 or heck even a Nova Extreme Pro, just so long as you swap out lamps.
The Tek is going to be your most cost effective though, but keep in mind you will need to purchase acrylic shield and legs seperate.
Get yourself then some ATI or Giesemann lamps and you will be set.

If you want MH, the most cost effective way to go is pendants and retro'd T5 but without a canopy the T5s will be a no go, the pendants you could hang from the ceiling but many people frown on that.
There are some nice combo fixtures out there but the good ones are pricey... BUT the Maristar by SLS just lowered its MAP so you can get a great fixture cheaper than ever... I think the price went down almost $200!!

 

Spending 1000 to light a 55g is not necessary. Buy a 4 bulb T5 fixture with single light reflectors and some good bulbs. Should be able to make it happen for around 350. Save the rest of your money for corals! Or buy a 4 bulb retrofit and a canopy, you could easily get both for well under 1k.

 

Heck if I can illuminate my 180 for far under a thousand I sure hope a 55 can be done in similar fashion!!

 

Is this good?
Reef Aquarium Metal Halide Lighting: SunPod HQI Metal Halide Fixtures with Lunar Lights

http://www.specialty-lights.com/960110.html
would that be overkill???


The thing is now, I dont know who and where to get lights from. Can someone point me to some vendors and models?

Thanks a million guys