VHO lighting

[02wrxgt30r]

well this is my first thread on here so be easy on me! lol anyways I am building my first sw tank and it will be a missed reef tank it is 50gal and is 36-18-20d I asked this over on -- and just wanted a second opinion i will be running 2 icecap 430 ballast with 36" VHO bulbs (39w and will probably be overdrived a little by the 430's) and individual reflectors
front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
i will have the front two bulbs on one ballast for dusk/dawn
and i wold like to be able to support about anything i would put in including anemones and such
what do you guys think will this be enough

 

[bang guy]

In my opinion it will support a large variety of corals but most SPS will be off the menu. You will have to be choosy when picking out SPS.
A bubble-tip Anemone will do well but Allow your tank and your hobbiest skills to mature before attempting the Anemone. Contrary to what many LFS will tell you, an Anemone is not the first thing to add to a tank.

 

[02wrxgt30r]

ok thanks I plan on letting the tank mature first just want to be ready when the time comes
if in the future i want to get sps and add a mh would a single 250w be sufficient

 

[bang guy]

Originally Posted by 02wrxgt30r
http:///forum/post/2934133
ok thanks I plan on letting the tank mature first just want to be ready when the time comes
if in the future i want to get sps and add a mh would a single 250w be sufficient

Yes, depending on the bulb.

 

[wangotango]

Honestly, assuming you have individual reflectors you will be fine with anything you want to keep. Those bulbs all have very good PAR driven by a spec ballast, and you'll get more out of the Icecaps. I would add a fan to blow perpendicular to the endcaps, and another to blow the hot air away from the bulbs. This will help your bulb-life and keep output hight.
The tank is only 20" tall, so even noramlly driven bulbs would probably work fine.
-Justin