54g Bowfront Corner Lighting Question

[Teddy8030]

....I have done a few weeks of research, and I just wanted to make sure I'm on the right path for lighting my 54 gallon corner tank....I would like to eventually keep some clams, and I am planning on building a cave in the center of the tank.....I am thinking of using a 175 mh setup with some actinic backup, is this enough, too much, just right? Will it melt the plastic joint in the glass top? Should I go without the top? I know this type of question is asked often, but I am finding it a bit overwhelming to make a final decision, and my lfs is steering me towards pc lights.....also,,should I ditch the cannister that my lfs sold me? Thanks for the help, and sorry for asking such old school questions.......

 

[Len]

A 175W with actinic supplementation is a good choice, neither too much or too little for most organisms. You're going to have to give the MH at least 12" from the acrylic to prevent severe warping or melting. It is probably a better idea to use a pendant system instead of an enclosed canopy. This helps dissipate heat. If you must go with a canopy, a few fans will be needed.

MH will be better then PC, but PC will be easier to implement.

As for the canister, you can either use it as additional filtration, as a carbon-holding filter, or remove it. They aren't bad; they're just not ideal for reef tanks.

Hope that helps

 

[ChrisV]

Keep the cannister filter, just change carbon every 3 weeks or so. I have noticed that fresh carbon really helps with visibility.

-CV

 

[Teddy8030]

thanks for the quick responses......two more questions, what type of mh bulb should I use, and do the pc/vho actinics kill the mh "ripple"effect? Thanks again for your help.....