new 50g setup

i have found a 50g setup but it has VHO lights with ice cap ballast. it has two strips so im guessing one is day light and the other is actinic light. i question is is this lighting good enought for a reef or should i get t5s. i just want to make sure before i buy this setup.

 

I think an icecap ballast can run 4 VHO's per ballast, two 50/50 and 2 actinics. you want to net somewhere around 250-400 total watts to be at 5-8 watts per gallon

here is decent reading on the topic:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-08/dw/index.php

is that icecap a 660 or 4xx ? I think both designs can run 4 bulbs once can run 12 total foot of VHO and the other a little more either one would support four 3 foot VHO's for you I think.

 

also i want to get a koralia powerhead or 2 but which ones should i get for a 50 g

 

ok i got the ballast info its a ice cap 430-008 so it can have 4 buld hook up i got the wiring setup.

 

I would suggest two, one on either end of the tank – but to be honest one would probably suffice in a 50g. Either the 400 or the 600gph. I am one of those people the like flow and lots of it, so I use 3 vortek MP40’s

Glad to hear you have your lights all situated - good luck with the set up !

 

thank you i will have to orders them. ill just play with them to get the right flow.

 

ok i just ordered 2 of the koralia 2's and i also got a RO/DI unit on the way. its like christmas. i got snow and getting presents. yaaaaa i have to go pick up tank and then wait till i move. woot woot.

 

i have a question reguarding sand. should i have all live sand in my new 50G i am about to setup? or should i mix it with something.