Lighting Recommendation

[pblutang]

I was wondering if I could get some lighting recommendations. I have a 55 gallon tank. 48 x 21 x 12. I currently have a JBJ Power Compact system on, 2 65w blue actinics and 2 55 watt daylight lamps. I have some LPS and Softies in there right now. The daylight lamps just went out and need to be replaced. I am thinking of upgrading my lighting within a $200 budget.

 

[lvsuckerfish]

T5's thats what i would do unless you can find a good deal on a m/h fixture. I would go 4-6 HOt'5s on the tank then you can house what ever you want and still stay energy efficient

 

[NC2WA]

+1 on the T5s..less heat, less wattage, and less on the wallet.

 

[Faciosity]

I also agree with the t5s. I got a 48" 4 bulb t5 with lunar lights on ebay for about 115 shipped. Cheaply made and not the greatest one out there, but it's a good start on your budget, and does the trick for me. I house several SPS under it, and did great for clams too.

 

[pblutang]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Now I know what I'm looking for.

 

[returnofsid]

I would up your budget a lil' and get a Sunlight Supply Tek5 fixture, in a 4X54 watt. Without bulbs, it'll run you $254.00, with quality bulbs, it'll run you $322.00, and allow you to grow anything you want.
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_Light_Fixtures/

 

[pblutang]

Thanks again for everyone's response. I found some decently priced through another thread on RF..

Here a link just in case anyone else is looking.

http://fishneedit.com/4ft4bulbs-with-l44.html

 

[JayVIP]

If you go t5's, make sure you stick with quality individual reflectors such as tekII, miro, or icecap. It'll give you roughly 300% more output per bulb. Just for an example, I had a 75 gallon 24" deep tank, ran just two 48" t5 ho's on individual reflectors and got massive growth on my sps and lps compared to 4 pc's.