PC versus MH/PC Combo

[pikachu]

I currenly have custom sealife smartlite 96W on my 55g reef tank. I am thinking upgrading to a 2X 96W custom sealife PC, or a 2X65watts pc with 45Watt MH combo, total 175 watts. Question is, which should I get, the combo is only a bit more than the PC. I also thought about 4X96watts pc, but for my 36L x 15W x 24H 55 tank, i think it's too much (with consideration to electric bill in California) anyone has similar size tank, what's your suggestion, please?

 

[bobber]

I have never heard of 45w MH bulbs. If they do exist, I would think that they would not be very intense for a reef. I have seen 175wMH/PC combos that I personally think are a great choice. Have you thought about VHO and MH? This, of course, would be my first choice if you are wanting to get better lighting. Buy right the first time and save $$$ in the long run. Lighting is a difficult choice to make. Do you have a canopy or a hood? This will help in your lighting choices. If you want to go with VHO/MH, then a canopy would be best. The MH/PC combos come complete and ready to go. Also, consider this, your lighting is dictated by what you want to keep in your reef. Make your choices accordingly. I hope this helps--Bob

 

[pikachu]

Bob, thanks for your response. I found out it's 175MH/65X2PC. I know people are getting tired of lighting questions. But I still must ask, can insufficient light (my case, 96W in 55g) kill a Bubble Coral assuming everything else in perfect condition? I had a bubble coral whose bubbles dissappeared from left to right in 4 days, which got me serious about getting a better light. Don't know to get the 2x96w PC or MH/PC due to high electric bill in CA. Wife says I look at my tank more than looking at her face.

 

[q]

2 96w bulbs souds kind of light to me. LOL
4 96w bulbs should do the trick along with placing the bubble coral in the right place ie height and current.
The PC/MH combo would be even better but 4 96w PC's should do the trick.
This question might be best asked in the reef forum.