Metal Halide Lighting Question

[the_bandit]

At the moment, I have a T5 HO High Output Light 216W 4 lamps, 2x 12000K, 2x Actinic and I love it. Down the road, I eventually want to get SPS corals and I know T5 would work but I would rather be safe than sorry. Im not too familiar with MH and was wondering if anyone can give me any and all advice on them. I'd like to find some for a 55g tank that are $200 or less if that is possible. Any recommended brands would be useful. Kind of a bruad question but SWF is my number one resource

 

[lion_crazz]

I love Coralife's metal halide fixture, which has either a single or double halide for a 48" tank. It also has actinics and moonlights and puts out a ton of light.
Current also makes a good fixture that has built halides with T-5 actinics.
Both are excellent lights but you are looking at about $600 for either fixture.

 

[aquaguy24]

i have the current usa outer orbit hqi/t5..awesome light fixture...but no where near $200...ur gonna have try and find a used fixture...check out craigslist or ebizzy. good deals are out there....i would suggest a diy kit but ballast alone are $200..good luck...

 

[the_bandit]

Do you think with my current lights and very good water perameters, I can keep SPS corals? Maybe Monti's or Birdnests?

 

[lion_crazz]

Originally Posted by The_Bandit
http:///forum/post/3058012
Do you think with my current lights and very good water perameters, I can keep SPS corals? Maybe Monti's or Birdnests?
I would tend to say no, even with excellent water params.

 

[worrballer]

I have T5HO on my 29 and I have a Digimontipora and have noticed a lot of growth.
You can have birdnest for sure, but I'm not too familiar with monti's. I don't see a problem with the easier SPS but that is my opinion.

 

[reefraff]

Originally Posted by The_Bandit
http:///forum/post/3058012
Do you think with my current lights and very good water perameters, I can keep SPS corals? Maybe Monti's or Birdnests?
Depends on your T5 setup. ATI's T5 fixtures have as much or more PAR than a lot of 250 watt halides. Some of that E- Yab crap wont do what a good PC light will do.