55 gallon and lighting

[xcdennisx]

so im looking to upgrade to a 55 gallon tank soon but am wondering what kind of lights i should decided on.
Hamilton Metal Halide - Power Compact(175W Halide Bulbs)
-24" 1x175W 10K 2-32W Actinic Bulbs
-36" 2x175W 10K 2-96W Actinic Bulbs
Hamilton Metal Halide - Power Compact(250W Halide Bulbs)
-24" 1x250W 10K 2-55W Actinic Bulbs
-36" 1x250W 10K 2-96W Actinic Bulbs
Whats the difference between hoods and Retrofit lights that they are so much cheapers. Also which size should i get? Any suggestions are welcome

 

[reeffreakgeek]

You have a 55 gallon right?
Isn't that 48'' inches long...
I would go with 2 MH's bulbs(250w)and 2 actinics(PC or T5)
Hoods are plug n' play and retros are for existing canopies or people who make there own hoods.Some knowledge of electrical working is needed.Unless you are a DIYer I would skip that.

 

[toughguy80]

Yup 55G is 48", 24 and 36" won't work. Personnally I'd go with 2x175MH and the 2X96A combo. And reeffreak already stated the difference between hoods and retros. Although I will say IMO even retros are pretty idiot proff to wire(put blue to blue, red to red, etc..). But if you want a ready to go, no hood nessicary light, go with the prebuilt ones. Retros will only work if you've got a wooden hood already in place to attach it to.

 

[poniegirl]

Originally Posted by reeffreakgeek
You have a 55 gallon right?
Isn't that 48'' inches long...
I would go with 2 MH's bulbs(250w)and 2 actinics(PC or T5)
Hoods are plug n' play and retros are for existing canopies or people who make there own hoods.Some knowledge of electrical working is needed.Unless you are a DIYer I would skip that.
That seems like an awful lot of light for a 55, to me. I went with all T5 for mine because I was concerned about heat.
What are you planning to keep, coral-wise, dennis?