Upgrading from T5 to HID, Advices?

Hello everyone!

Okay, I was always seduced by the light quality of metal halides, the shimmering effect on the sand, and the clarity of the beam compared to the blurr and weakness of fluorescent. But when I started my tank, I had to buy T5 because of the price.

Now I want to upgrade and I need to know a few things from you guys:

• Is it really necessary for my tank? I do not have a lot of corals yet, only some frags that I want to grow and develop.

• What is the best wattage for my 48 inches long, 60 Gal tank?

• What is the best brand / cheap model for a suspended version? I do not want a leg version nor a flat version, my tank doesn't have a canopy.

• Because of the powerful light, is that going to make algaes to grow everywhere?

Whew, load of questions!
Thanks so much by advance for your answers!

 

Mile tomorrow I will get my first set from Aquaticlife, 48" 2 hid 2 t5 ho and 4 Lunar. I'll try to run a post to keep you updated on how well they work. T5's are good now but call me old I just like MH.

 

You will love the MH's compared to T5's and there will be nothing you can't grow under them. 250w lights will do just fine. Ballast can be anything but I really like the SPS (South Pacific Sunlight) bulbs at 14k. Algae grows because of nutrients so as long as you keep that under control you will be ok. If and when you start them up you will want to only start with about 3 to 4 hrs a day and maybe add one hr every two weeks until you get to your desired time.
If you are looking for kits PM Tangster and he can set you up with everything pretty cheap.

Oh yea, Welcome to 3reef!

 

Hey thanks for the answers!

I will PM Tangster, cheers for the hook up

I have two last questions: Is 150 watts sufficient for a 60 GAL? I saw an auction on ebay for a single 150 MH hanging fixture and the price is really really cheap. Or should I need 2 x 150 watts?