Help with Lighting choice

[ohreefer]

Hello,

I used to run a 36" tank. After a move to a new state I am in process of starting to plan out a 48" tank. The 48" is a standard 75 gallon tank. I have two lighting choices ....

A 36" hood with 1x250W Metal Halide and 2x55W Actinic PC's

or

A 48" Hood with 4x96W PC's.

I am not commited to having SPS and clams but would like the option.

I am stuck with these two options because I believe I can sell my 36" hood for pretty close to the price of a new 48" all PC hood. When I started planning for the new tank I stupidly told my wife we wouldn't have to spend money on lights again.

Would the 4x96W PC's be enough light for SPS to grow, not simply maintain themselves.

If the choice were yours what would you pick ?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[LFS42]

you'll regret not having the MH.
The PC fixtures are nice, but not great.

 

[catweh00]

Ive been using PCs on my 75gallon tank for 2 years now. The short depth is fine, and great for keeping clams as well. With 4 by 96 watt Pc, youll be fine, but I also added a Dual NO striplight to the front to place two 40watt super actinic bulbs on my coral. The tank looks great and everything keep, plus they grow.
VHOs are great for a 75g as well, IMO

 

[ZigZagZombie]

Go with the MH option. Unless you have room to hang a MH later if you want to.

 

[reefsRcool]

for the price of that pc setup you could get a nice 150watt DE pendent. save your funds and then get a matching one a little down the road. you will never be happy with the PCs. and then you will be starting from scratch again

 

[catweh00]

Ive been happy with PCs for two years. I understand MH are great too, but PCs are super convenient. Its all a matter of preference.

 

[catweh00]

I mean, with a larger tank, yes I would certainly go with the MHs, but we are talking about a 75gallon reef. Whatever floats your boat.

 

[Bobzarry]

I run a 55gal. I started out with 3 96watt pc's. later on I switched to 2x 175MH the difference was remarkable. Corals all colored up much better after just a month. Also the look of MH in MHO is much nicer as the light dances in the tank.


Bob

 

[Mogo]

You can't beat having both actinics and MH's IMO.

 

[Palmetto]

I also love the way MH glitters in the tank!

I am still looking for the right combination for our 75G showtank. I "upgraded" from 440 VHO to 2 x 175 with PC, and was underwhelmed. That just wasn't enough light for an "upgrade"!

Then, I switched out the 175 ballasts and bulbs for two used Blueline 250-watt ballasts with USHIO 10k bulbs. The USHIO is still too warm, and the PC Actinics don't even touch it. VHO Actinics are the way to go in combination systems, IMO.

So, I now have a 430-watt Sunlight Supply Dual ballast on the way to overdrive a pair of 400 watt Radiums. They will be here on Thursday, and I will have pictures next weekend. This sounds like overkill for a 75-gallon tank, but I will be growing some rare SPS and clams.

(now, for that 1,000-watt Radium....
.... don't worry, it will be on the 300Gallon!...