Going to buy new lights

Well, I've decided I'm interested in MH's. Right now I've got a coral life 48" hood with the 2 65W white and 2 55W actinic's. My tank is 95G, around 20" deep I think. I really want to keep the hood I've got now. But I'm a little concerned about the distance to the water from the top inside, and, it's got two split glass plates that are the top of the hood.
After reading a little, it looks like 14K is popular now. I think I'm leaning toward electronic ballast. Thinking of 4 450W, plus some PC 55W actinic's.
What do ya'll think?

What brand?

Seems like there's alot of mnftr. out there. Would rather not buy something that won't last or will burn up in a few months, with to support or warranty.

 

Why not go with T5HOs?

 

Well, I don't know. I guess I should research those as well. I was thinking I needed MH to get ready for SPS/other...
I did see the thread on the frag guy from Portugal I think. As I looked at the pics it occurred to me that his tank was much more shallow than mine though.

 

There are some die hard MH fans here but if you want and heat is an issue you can go with t5s. My tank is 20" high as well and the t5s penetrate well.

I have the lights about 1 1/2 feet away and sps is doing good so when I lower it to its final position which would be about 3" above the water then theres going to be even more penetration. The t5s I have are good but now there are even better ones that can put out more par. If you do go for T5HO make sure you do your research and buy the best unit you can.

Heres a pic of my tank and where the lights are temporarily placed at 1 1/2 feet from the water. Only 2 bulbs on.

 

If you're still interested in MH's??
I would go with 2 - 250 Watt metal halides
With supplemental actinics either T5 ho's or VHO's.
The pc lights don't last very long.

Jim

 

20" deep, I'd go with T5HO's... Check out this link Machado deSousa's Tanks

 

Whatever lighting you decide to go with, Aquarium Lights Hellolights.com are by far the best for lights, their prices are excellent and the options are all there. Heat is an issue with MH and it is a toss up between the two. What you should look at is the replacement cost over one year for T5HO as opposed to MH taking into consideration, chiller and electricity consumption if using MH.

 

There is a lot of places out there cheaper then hellolights. Always shop around and keep the cost of shipping in mind as well. Browse the sponsors of 3reef.

 

I really like reefgeek but agree with geek

 

the geeks come out of the woodworks? hahaha