lighting question from newbie

[jeffjcet]

background
I have a 40 gallon flat back Hex. that is 20" tall 36inches across the back and the front it 24 inches wide. Currently it has regular fluorescent lighting that is quite old. Right now I am just running a FOWLR setup but when my tank matures some I would like to add some easy corals.
Here is the question. Will 175w mh reach deep enough for the 20". Also will it cover the 24"-36" width of the tank.
I have found a setup that has a 175 w mh, as well as some 55 watt pc bulbs. It is a retro and I would not have to use the metal halide right away.
Thanks,

 

[sign guy]

I would run a 175w mh in the middle with two 96 w 03 antics 20 inch on both sides
a 250w you could have a clam

 

[jeffjcet]

Thanks for reply!
One more question. I have about 4 1/2 inches from top of canopy to plexyglass over water. Will this be too close. I don't know how tall the mogle base is.
How much clearance is needed for the bulb?
Thanks

 

[jeffjcet]

Looking to buy something tonight.
Any replys out there?

 

[sign guy]

you might need more room cuz they can get hot I would have about 6-12 inches from water to light

 

[jeffjcet]

Thanks,
Did not buy MH and PC lights.
Looking at DIY 24" VHO setup. Would 150w of VHO allow me to keep some zenia coral and some mushrooms. Could add second ballast for total of 300w a little later.
I have been searching on board and finding answers. It is just nice to have some direct feedback.

 

[sign guy]

yeah vho is a good light imo mh are better but a vho light is more efitiant you can def use that

 

[jeffjcet]

:help: :help:
One more question guys and gals.
Would I be better off going with a t-5 now rather than later. All my reading has just left me more confused. There seem to be more bulb color choices for t-5 as well as longer lamp life.
I have narrowed it down to 3 choices.
1. Vho setup run by workhorse 7 ballast, 2 URI lamps for 150w.
2. T-5 HO 2 bulb setup with reflectors not overdriven, for 48w.
3. Buy the Vho now with the WH7, then upgrade to t5 later and overdrive.
Thanks,
Jeff

 

[nigerbang]

Why not buy a T-5/MH combo retro?...

 

[jeffjcet]

Thanks for reply!
I have about 4 1/2 inches from top of canopy to plexyglass over water. I would have to mod my canopy to get some distance for MH.
Also I am very new and just want to start out with some easy coral. Ease into it with some mushroom, softies and then maybe some zoos.
Anyone else?

 

[kpk]

Hey Jeff IMO I would go with a single 250w oceanlight pendant with a 20k bulb. Nice and slick and not hood to fool with. Also would cut down a ton of heat. The best thing is you can always use it later on and have pretty much anything you want.