Can't decide...

I'm going to be restarting my 55/65 (I can't remember its exact size) tank. I'm going to soft reef it out, no SPS or LPS. Just zoas, acans, mushrooms, crocea, and one anemone for corals. That tank is basically going to house my new platinum pair of percs. I can't decide if I should go with a dual 175w MH system, or just a 4x36w T5. The tank size is about 36"x18"x20". The 18" wide is not a true 18" since it is an all-in-one, it has the wet/dry in the back area. I'll be converting that area to house the heater. I'll also be converting the tank to accomodate a fuge under the tank, it's going to be drilled. That being said, I only have so much room for lighting in the canopy. If I go with a 6 lamp T5, 2 bulbs will be a waste as they will not be over the liveable tank area. I'm thinking 144w won't really be enough for that tank, which is why I am thinking of going dual 175w MH.
What do you think? :-/

 

I would go with the dual 175w, they will be great and allow you keep lps and sps if you choose to do so later. Plus, if you want the clam, you will need more then the 144w. BTW, acans are lps, just wanted to point that out.

 

156 watts of high quality T5 lighting will be sufficient for any animal you choose to have as long as you pay attention to proper placement. The crocea would need to be near the top of the rocks as it is a rock dwelling clam. The nem will find it's happy spot. You will pay less for an ATI 4x39w fixture than a 2x175w MH system.

 

I think I'm going that way with the MH. I could either do a dual output Galaxy, or two single variable output Lumateks. I see they are on sale at Marine Depot again. I think I'll do a 10000K bulb for the high photosynthetics, like the clam, and a 15000-20000K for color. Thanks for the clarification on the acans. I was thinking SPS that need higher water flow. I want to keep a moderate flow calm reef system.

Yeah, I have the crocea on a rock near the top of my tank right now. It looks to be doing ok. With the new lights, I'll be going with retrofits into an existing canopy.