HQI Lighting Size

[uscamaro]

Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting: Aqualight Pro HQI/Compact Fluorescent/Lunar Light Fixture

Could I get away with getting this 36" light for my 55g reef or is it better to get the 48"?

[ccCapt]

If you only want to keep corals in the middle of your tank, the 36" fixture would work since it only has 1 MH bulb. The sides would be considerably dimmer and probably wouldn't get enough light to support much in the way of corals.

[mr_X]

the 55 has a brace dead center. the halide lamp would be directly over it. you'll be hating life with that fixture! i would go with the 48 patrick. i would also go with 2 x 250 watt, or a decent T-5 HO fixture.
you can get lighting for your tank for less money you know.
what do you plan to keep in your 55? will you possibly want sps, clams, anemones?

[uscamaro]

Any suggestions on a decent T-5 HO? And all I'm planning on right now is a reef and I don't have specifics down to each animal. Basically I don't want to be in a situation where I want a certain animal but can't get it because of inadequate light/other hardware.

[mr_X]

right, this is why i say to use the 2 x 250 watters or a good t-5 fixture. most folks that stay in the hobby eventually gravitate towards the higher light stuff.

this fixture will work for you-
http://www.marineandreef.com/Nova_Ex...p/rcu01081.htm

eventually, you are going to want to put higher end lamps in it, but it's got plenty of punch and is a mid range unit.