Upgrading lighting

Hey all,

I have decided to finally do away with my VHO setup and i want to put in a Retro MH setup. Since the tank is 55gal i will need 2 lights to light everything up. My question is what wattage should i get the ballast. Even better any certain kits you would recommend. Thanks in advance.

Pat ;D

 

i would go with 2X250! If you can swing the cash for the ballasts and chiller, you would be ROCKING that 55! Add a little bit of actinic for color balance and you will be bright enough to handle even the MOST light demanding corals/clams.

As for kits, I will let more experienced reefer's give their .02.

There was mine.

 

yea i am keeping my icecap ballast and add 2 or 4 t-5 actinic lights

 

sounds like an effective combo!!!

Keep us posted if you do a DIY hood . . . I currently only have a single 250 and need to upgrade to a DIY 2 X 250 Halide with some actinic T5's for support so this is right up my future ally!

8)

 

lol already build the hood sorry but will take pics for sure

 

If you havent stumbled across it already check out saltycritter.com this is where I got my 3 250w Hamilton retro kit, they also allow you to upgrade the reflectors and choose from 10k, 14k, or 20k bulbs. All in all I was very pleased

 

2x250 watt halides will keep anything alive in a 55. I use 2x250 on my 90. I would get 250's if you plan on upgrading your tank.
If not, I'd say either 2x150 or 2x175.

 

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