Metal Halide...Do I need it?

[Reef_Monkey]

Quick question...Not about me puffer :wink:
Do I really need Metal Halide if I want to put Anemones and corals in my
tank?

And if so, how big of a bulb do I need? It's a 55 Gal FOWRL (right now)
All I have right now is a pair of 2 foot 50-50 atinic floresents.

 

[Len]

Need: no
Want: yes


You can get away with PCs, T-5's, or fluorescents (VHOs preferred) if you want to go with anemones, soft corals, and LPS corals. Some SPS corals and some clams will do fine as well. However, halide is really your best bet. 2 x 175W or better yet, 250W would be ideal IMO. Use your current fluorscents as actinic supplemenation. As is, 2 NO bulbs will not be sufficient to keep photosynthetic corals.

My two cents.

 

[Reef_Monkey]

Thanks a lot Len...
That is exactly what I needed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!