Will this light setup work for my tank?

[sjordan]

Ok I just got me a new 50 Gallon tank. Its 20Inches Deep. I plan to make this a reef only tank with a wide variety of coral.

My plan is to get something like this:
250 watt metal halide with a 55 watt pc

Now my question to you guys is this overkill? Or is it just right? Or do I need more?

Also my buget for something like this is around $350. Do you think I can pull off a setup for my tank at that price? If I go with MH I plan to hang it about 6-12 inches above the tank

 

[Len]

Is this a 50 gallon "tall" or "long?" If it's only 36", you can get away with a single 250W halide but the sides of your tank will be a little dim for corals that require more light. You can simply use this space up for soft corals, mushrooms, and polyps. If it's a 48" tank, you'll need two halides.

I HIGHLY recommend either Sunlight Supply metal halide pendant systems or Aqualine Bushke. Both tested very well in www.advancedaquarist.com articles and are well worth the money, even if they do cost a bit more. I would get a double ended 250W metal halide (sometimes referred to as HQI) as opposed to the mogul socket type.

 

[sjordan]

the tank is 30inches Length x 18inches Width x 20inches Tall

Man I am so confused on what to get. So many choices but only so much money to spend.

If I get one of the DIY kits is really complicated?

 

[Len]

DIY halides aren't complicated to hook up, but the AB and SUnlight systems really have the best overall package - ballast + reflector design - and are well worth the dollar. You have a 50g tall and a single 250W or 400W will serve your tank just fine. I know how confusing lighting can be due to all the options. You won't go wrong with either the AB or Sunlight pendant systems though, I promise you!

 

[Archmage]

The AquaStarlite classics are built like a tank.


I knocked one off my diy hood by accident when I slipped and my unit fell from a height of 6 feet to the floor. Granted, the floor was wooden, but I thought for a sickening moment that the unit was a goner.

Nope...after putting it back up on my hood, and plugging it in, it restarted with no problem. I tell you, those german made units are the best.