Another would this be enough?

Hey guys,

I'm planning for a custom tank 48x24x20 and the only type of lighting that I've ever used are PC and T5. I would like to start keeping SPS and always wanted a clam. I'm stuck between two lights but am leaning towards the metal halide for the shimmer effect. I know LED's has there benefits but from what I've seen in person I don't think I'm ready to go full LED. Any help with choosing a light would be great! Thanks in advance.

I'm stuck between these two:

MH - 48'' Hamiliton 2x250w mh + 2x54w T5 HO
Hamilton Metal Halide + T5 HO Belize Sun Light Fixture

ATI - 48'' 8x54w Dimmable SunPower T5 w/ controller

ATI 48 Inch Dimmable SunPower T5 High-Output Fixture w/ Controller

 

A 6 bulb ATI will be more than sufficient. You will want to keep it 30" above the sand or risk photo inhibition of your corals.

 

Go with that halide and count on a cooler as well, that's an awful lot of lighting.

 

Thanks for the replies, wasn't planning to overkil on the lights I just don't know much about it. Would the 2x150w MH + 2x54w T5 HO be a better fit as far as the metal halide goes?

 

Yes or a 2X175W

 

Why go for the more expensive, much hotter bulbs when a 6 bulb t5ho would do just fine? I keep a clam and have kept sps under my 4x24w t5ho's

 

Thanks for the input, wasn't trying to go more expensive but didn't want to not have enough lighting then having to rebuy. With that said I'll probably go with an 6 bulb ATI or Tek Light with LED for supplement lighting. Does anyone know what the difference is with these two Tek Lights? Item # SL2119 and SL2137. They are both 48'' fixtures but are about $160 apart.

Sunlight Supply Tek Light High Output Fluorescent Lighting Fixture

 

The less expensive one is the older model. The more expensive has active cooling which is good as it extends bulb life and better reflectors and possibly a better ballast also.