Halide opinions

Very informative. I guess you could go with t5s. Would a 4 bulb T5 fixture work for a 60 gal?

 

eh...possible...i think 6 bulbs would be a better option tho.....on my 125 i run 2 36" 4xt5 fixtures and it did great so as long as u go with good quality bulbs i'd say it would work, but if u can fit a 6 bulb go for it

 

i run a 6 bulb t-5 on my 26 i think u would neede more bulbs like 6

 

just started up a 70g cube dimensions 30x30x18 and I love my single hung Lumenmax 2 pendant. I run a Radium 250w 20K bulb and I have a Galaxy ballast. Really loving the shimmer effect of MH and the color of the Radium driven on the Galaxy, it's a perfect combo of blue and white, colors pop great. I used to have T5's but I'm liking this MH set-up a lot more then my T5's. I keep mainly LPS, but have a few SPS, everything is doing great. I also hang my light on an adjustable mount, so I'm not sure if that's an option for you, it will probably help with the heat issues.

Here's a pic of the tank & light, same as my avatar:

 

Ok, thank you. I will look for one. After seeing the price of metal hallides I almost had a heart attack. I'm glad T5's will work. I'm super excited now. I may actually get to see some hard work and loads of stress pay off! (I'm learning there is a lot of that in this hobby, lol)

 

That looks very nice mojoe. That is a great option. A single hanging metal hallide is not too exspensive.

 

If you're looking for quality... Not the best wattage, but... 10 bulbs.
Aquarium Specialty

There are other models that have 4,6,and 8 bulbs also.

 

Yes, I weighed all my options before getting my lighting. The Lumenmax 2 and Elite pendants put out a very good spread, the 2 works perfect for my 30x30 footprint. The Lumenmax Elite puts out a little less spread but is really intense in its light column. I would get a mogul based pendant/bulb if you do go MH.

I think I paid a little under $400 for everything shipped in my set-up, very affordable, it was a combo via SaltyCritter, great guys. Here's the link I used when I ordered: Sunlight Supply Galaxy ballast and Lumen Max 2 Metal Halide Kits - Salty Critter

They have many combo deals too where you get everything, just ask them: http://www.saltycritter.com/lighting/metal_halide_pendant_index.htm