Iwasaki 250w 6500k and 55w PC Actinic pics and thoughts need

[Tybond]

I am thinking about upgrading the lighting on my 55g reef. I am currently running 4x55w PC and am considering adding 2-250w MH 6500K iwasaki.
Is there anyone here running this setup on their reef that can provide a pic or testemony good or bad about this setup? I want to start a few sps frags so I'v been doing alot of research on MH and have found that the 6500k iwasaki is a good bang for the buck expense. My current lighting is 2-6700k and 2-7100k03. I figure I'll add the MH and change the PC's all to the 7100k03's.

 

[tazzmanian123]

I wish I could help you out, but i'm just getting ready to set up a 46 gal. reef w/ 2 96w pc, (1@10000/1@7100). If the experienced reef keepers respond to this post, I'll be learning some more.

 

[Mac1]

Hi Tybond,

IMO, your idea sounds great. I have 2x250 Iwasaki's and 2x110 Watt Actinic VHO's over my 90 reef, and can tell you it's plenty of light to grow acro's (http://reef.myip.org).
I bought the Iwasaki's 2 years ago on the same information you appear to have (most bang for your watt), and have been very happy. A lot of people don't like the color that it gives a tank, and being shallower than my 90, I think you may experience a lot of that as well. However 4 PC Actinic's will do alot to help balance that out. Personally, I'd really like to have a setup like that, but a lot of people are going to tell you it's not blue enough.

- Mac

 

[toptank]

I have to agree with Mac, a lot of people don't like the looks of the 6,500K but with some good actinic it will help balance the looks of the 6,500K. I have always heard that SPS will grow better (faster) under these lights. I will know in a few months as that is what I have on my 180 with VHO actinic.

 

[kipreefer]

I have the 6500K on my 90 gallon with 2 55 watt atinic pc's and 2 55 daylight pc's. I really dont mind the color it is a real shallow water look. I just think some hobbiest dont find it pleasing.

 

[esmithiii]

I have 2x400W MH (6500K Iwasaki) and 2X96W PC Actinic and the color is a bit yellow for my tastes. I plan on adding 2 more 96W actinics.

My question is how can you fit all that over a 55g?

E

 

[Anonymous]

You can fit that over a 55 smithii however it's a tight fit. I think that dual Iwasaki's and 4 55's will give you an acceptable appearance. I would try it. In reality you only need enough blue to please you, the corals could give a damn since the Iwasaki's are going to provide all the energy they need.

ON a 55 this is more than enough light, and will allow you to upgrade to a larger tank at a later date.

 

[ColdinCanada]

I had a 400w Iwasaki with two 110w vhos mounted above it. I found it way to yellow for my taste. This past weekend i added another 110w actinic and moved all three below the MH. The color is much better now.

Jay

 

[Tybond]

Thanks for all your input on this setup...its appreciated!
I wondered about the yellow look myself. the pc 6700k are yellow enough and are 55w. I figured 250w 6500k would um,err,well, suck.
Thanks again!