Does It Realy Matter What Type

Metal halides can be very cheap if you build your own canopy. Check out "inside sun" for complete aquarium systems that are ~100$. Lowes has everything you need for a custom canopy Good luck with whatever you choose~!

note: I am partial to inside sun because I saved 100-400$ and they work fine as any retro system but without the hassle of wiring up the ballast.

 

well if i go with three mh do i really neeed the actnic blu lights or can i do without them, and thanks lunna for the info

 

The actinics show off the true colors of a coral. I have always had them and I dont think that I could live without them. IMO

 

HQI Metal Halide is the way to go---smaller bulb, takes up less room in the hood & doesn't sacrifice performance

 

mogul base: more k variety, no sheild needed
hqi: requires uv sheild.
t-5's will work, depending on coral and depth.
mh's will work on anything.

what are your tank dimensions?

 

Be careful about what Metal Halide you choose, those Odyssea fixtures have some mixed reviews about safety http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-lighting/odyssea-lights-36614.html

 

I am evaluating my lights now too. I have a JBJ nano with original lights (haven't found an upgrade for any of the 6 gallon tanks besides night lights) and a MH pendant on a mogul base.

The MH is 175W and very yellow. I believe it is 5000 K. I'm looking for a new bulb to replace it with in the 10,000 K range. I think that will get me a bluer look. I haven't found a solution to adding actinic to the tank (20 gallon long) since the MH is pendant style and hangs above the tank.

 

The Tank Dim. Are 72"l 19w 23h With These Demensions Would T5s Work Or Whould I Just Stick With The Mhs, And I Have The Odyssea Light On My 55 Now And Have Not Had Any Problems With Them I Have The 2 Gen Model W/760 Watts They Have Been On My Tank 4 About 6 Months Now And Yess I Would Buy Again

 

I would change the 'W' to an 'Sh' and there you go!

Especially the Oddy-sea lights as they are much cheaper than Coral-life and give you good PAR ratings at a good price, which you really need at a tank over 20" tall!

 

well i think thats what i will do unless i find something thats close to that price that is better