newbie question

[ReeferSutherland]

would a 400 MH* be sufficent for a 55 gallon.?

if so what distance from the tank(non vented)?





*this type of light

http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/customkitite ... MH04SG&eq=

 

[utahsaltreefer]

Welcome to Reefs.org. I am currently running a 400watt XM 15K bulb for my 55 gallon. It has been working great. I have LPS and softies in it. You'll have to hear from others if that will support SPS and clams. The height of the tank is generally more important than the volume of it. If you can say how tall the tank is, other will be able to give you good advice.

 

[FragMaster]

You will want that puppy at least 1-1 1/2 feet over your tank for proper dispersion ( a 55 is 19" tall from the inside prety shallow for a 400w bulb LOL! ) and so you dont bleach anything. That said you could keep anything under that lighting.

 

[ReeferSutherland]

Thankyou for the quick response....most MH lights(bulbs to be specific) ive seen on this site look like halogens,is it uncommon to use grow lights?

 

[trido]

"Back in the day" so to speak. Every halogen light I ever saw associated with growing things had a pretty loud ballast hum. I would spend a few bucks more and get something designed for growing corals. :wink:

 

[FragMaster]

Not to mention they are all highpressure sodium.

 

[fyrefysh]

I think a 250W MH would be plenty for a 55. I have a 150W DE MH on my 50 and a couple of 96W PCs and it's a big plenty of light for even demanding corals in my opinion (opinions vary greatly around here). There's really not one "right" way to do any of this stuff.