lighting ?

so would it be better to add a 175w metal halide that i can make for around $70 or a 108w t5 fixture for around the same price?? i would be adding either of these along with my current t5 2 bulb... on a 55g

 

You mean the standard 4th 55g? If so your gonna want 2 mh fixtures. Question is what is your stocking goals? LPS & softies won't necessarily need mh. Same with a fowlr.

 

fowlr?? i know i wanna get a Pocillopora Coral and was told my lighting had to be upgraded

 

4 T5HO bulbs using high quality parts and bulbs will let you grow whatever you want in the tank.

MH are only good for a 24"x24" area. So you will need 2 as previously stated. They also will generate a lot more heat than the T5HO will.

 

so getting the other t5 fixture would be the best idea

 

Yes, I agree. A 4 bulb T5 for 70$? Is it used? Remember you want quality like 2in10 said. Cheap fixtures heat up, don't have great reflectors and can cause bulb flickering. I'd recommend a Tek Light T5

 

FOWLR = fish only with live rock

If you wish to keep SPS corals (such as a pocillopora), good lighting is only one of several essential requirements.

 

could you enlighten me to the rest

 

High amounts of "chaotic" flow, extremely low nitrate levels(<5-10ppm). continuous testing and dosing to maintain calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels. Often water changes to replace trace elements, and keep water clean.. intense lighting requirements as well...

Not to mention some spot feeding and they can still be testy with all this going well... But they are beautiful and with a proper setup not that difficult to maintain as long as you are very very consistent.

 

thats good to know... thanks for all the info