Need some input on lightings

[Abissus]

Sigh, I have been going back and worth about what lighting to use and still cannot decide. I am hoping for some input/vote/comment.

My setup: 55g 36"L x 18"W x 20"H. Livestock plan are softies and later LPS and possible anenome later.

Here are my light choices, along with what I thought as pros and cons. Bear in mind that I already have the equipments for them (all came with a used tank setup) so it's not like I need to go buy something.

250W MH + 2 96W VHO super actinic:
pros:
I love the shimmering effect of MH
I already have a parallel reflector that I can mount the MH and VHO's easily
Plenty of light
cons:
Seems a little too much light (if only I have a 175W ballast instead)
Heat problem, but thanks to DisturbedReefer I have a chiller now
High energy consumption and possibly warm my house up too

BTW, this is what my husband think I should do, just because I have the eq already, not that he knows about reef aquarium.


4 96W VHOs: 2 super actinic and 2 actinic white
pros:
Less heat
Still plenty of light (I think)
cons:
No shimmers
Will need to construct something to mount VHO's close to water, alternative is to mount the VHOs higher without extra work since I am using 4 bulbs already and should be enough light
Possibly still too much light

2-3 96W VHOs:
pros:
Less heat still
cons:
No shimmers
Definitely need the VHOs to be close to water (extra work), especially if using only 2 VHOs
Likely need to upgrade lighting in the future.


I'd really appreciate any help on this. I already have everything I need to setup any of the above listed options, just cannot decide what to do.

 

[flip_3_6_0]

I would go with the MH's. Later on when/if you feel like keeping more challenging animals like SPS, clams, and anemones you will be glad you went that route. If your sure you never want to keep those animals than i would go with the 4 VHO. Also i personally think that 10k MH with actinic VHO gived the best combination of growth and color.

 

[wrightme43]

If you already have MH I would go with that. They really are awesome. Just a whole lot better for your corals. Faster growth, better color. Heat is a issue, that has been solved many times, and you have a chiller. I believe that if I were in your situation, I would use the MH and VHO. HTH Steve

 

[Abissus]

so 250W is not overkill then? I think I'd go with MH for sure if I have 175W ballast, just 250W seems a bit much

 

[bradreef]

no way is a 250 overkill. that is the best way to go. oceanencounter.com has great deals