Metal Halide lighting

[mling]

I've a 40 gallon tank the is 18"wide x 36" long in surface area. Currently I've only aragonite & sand and water in it. I am in the market for a good lighting system before cycling the tank with life rock. I have been advised, by a local reef aqua shop, to get a $800 36 " Metal Halide lighting system, with 2 compact fluorescents by WonBrothers for this tank. I was told that getting a cheaper lighting option would only cost more in the long run becuase I would want to get more interesting invertebrates in future = change lighting for newer one.

I am thinking of getting a 24" Metal Halide lamp because it is cheaper ($500) and also because I only plan to have life rock on one end of the tank. I plan to have a few anemones and a few clown fishes and a pair of Jawfishes, some bottom crawlers like shrimps & hermit crabs.

Is it true that I need Metal Halide lighting for an anemone ?
Can I only use a Metal Halide Pendant and not have the compact flourescents ?
I found a Metal Halide system with fluorescent by Coralife for $448 on the web -> www.hellolights.com. Why is that much cheaper than the one by WonBrothers ?

Any suggestions for lighting that will cost less than my car payment ?

 

[ChrisRD]

Is it true that I need Metal Halide lighting for an anemone ?

Most anemones and some species of SPS corals and Tridacna clams will do best under halides. Most people who stay in the hobby end up with halides so I think purchasing them up front will save you money down-the-road.

Can I only use a Metal Halide Pendant and not have the compact flourescents ?

Yes. Even if you want a slightly bluish look to the tank, there are plenty of 12K to 20K halide lamps out there that will provide that look without supplemental fluorescents. Some people prefer having fluorescent actinics in addition to halide lighting, but it's certainly not necessary.

Any suggestions for lighting that will cost less than my car payment ?

If it were me, I'd light that size tank with a single 250 watt DE halide pendent (I prefer the Sunlight Supply Reef Optix III). I'm currently using and would highly recommend the AB 250 watt DE 20K lamps - very nice blue/white coloration and good intensity. You should be able to get this setup from one of our sponsors (check the link on our homepage) for around $300 - $350 depending on what you do for a ballast (I prefer the magnetic "HQI" type).

HTH

 

[ChrisRD]

Here's the setup I was referring to. If you're interested in this setup and prefer the white/blue look to just plain white, talk to Jeremy and he can substitute the AB 20K lamp for you in place of the AB 10K that is shown in the product description...

http://www.inverts.com/Merchant2/me...t_Code=DEPend_250HQI&Category_Code=SScomplete

There are other similar products out there too from AquaMedic, Giesemann, PFO, etc. All good choices...

HTH

 

[ricky1414]

www.reeffanatic.com has some pretty good deals on mh setups. quick delivery as well if you are on the west coast. 250 watt for around 200-225 dollars

 

[ricky1414]

sorry, didn't see that you are in D.C.