Lighting Choice

[Charlie]

I will be removing the original hood and 50/50 lighting set-up from my 46 gal bow and want something that will accommodate a reef tank within the next few months. I was looking at these two fixtures but would appreciate your input.

Tank is 36" wide.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12113&inm=1&N=2004+113030+2032

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12779&N=2004+113030

Your thoughts ??

 

[austinsdad]

Gonna have to ensure you've got sufficient cooling. You could have a 3-4 degree temp increase.

What kinda reef? Hard corals? If not, see if there are 4x65w PCs in 3 footers. There are plenty of corals that could do fine with a lot less light (and heat). I'm not against MHs at all, just want to make sure you know what you're getting into.

 

[lando]

Great suggestion Ray. Both of the hoods listed are very nice and pretty much identical. MH is nice and will give you the option for a bit more variety, but softies and LPS corals will do just fine under CF lighitng. If you do not plan on SPS or clams, skip the MH.

 

[Charlie]

Actually, I was planning on a mix of hard & soft corals and a clam or two would be nice. However, I'm still in the learning process and am not sure which way I'll go.

Thanks for the input on the PC's.

** Looked around a bit. I only see the 4-65watt lights in 48". The 36" models have 2-96 watt.

 

[lando]

Actually, I was planning on a mix of hard & soft corals and a clam or two would be nice.

In that case, either the coralife or orbit will be just fine. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.