Lighting Options - Poll

[Moti Mo]

Alright, here it is again. trying to decide on lighting for my 55. can't decide. This is what I'm considering.

1 250W Iwasaki
2 175W Iwasaki
2 150 HQI

I'm just starting and I plan on trying some sps and clams in the future, and I would like to buy something that will support them from the start.

 

[mariner]

I would automatically rule out the single 250 watter. I've never used nor seen the HQI's but have read numerous posts that they were excellent. However, I hear that the bulbs are more expensive. The dual 175's would work excellent as well. So, my vote would be for the HQI's or the dual 175's. Always consider an upgrade in the future. Once you get deep into this hobby you always want bigger and better. On that note, you may want to consider dual 250's.
I know that doesn't give you one way or the other, but, gives some things to consider.

 

[davelin315]

As far as I remember, all 55s have a center brace (don't know if this still holds true) so a single light is impractical. I used to have 2 175s on a 55 and it worked very well. However, that was before the HQIs came out, and I have also heard they provide superior lighting (and are also much smaller!). If I could currently afford it, I would buy some new 400W fixtures or the 250W HQIs.