Lighting for 46G bow front

[srcfoo]

I'm trying to decide what to get for my tank. I've read a lot on the forum and I still don't feel like I know what do. I want to start getting some easy to care for corals and eventually work my way up to some more difficult corals. So I would like to get something that leaves my options open, but I'm not sure what kind of wattage I should shoot for.

I've looked at some of the all-in-one solutions (36") and they look nice, but they're expensive. I'm also a little worried because the ones that have a metal halide bulb have a single bulb in the middle right where my tank has an annoying plastic piece connecting the front and back of the tank.

I currently have a 6700K 96 watt 50/50 bulb and realize this is way under powered for any corals.

So what kind of wattage should I look at getting to?
Should I go with MH or will PCs do the job? If I go with MH, can I use two bulbs to make sure my tank is getting even coverage or am I stuck with trying to make a single bulb work?
Are the all-in-ones a good solution or should I look at a custom solution?



-Eric

[zanymaster]

I have the same tank and I went out and bought the Coralife advanced 36" MH lighting and it's got it's own legs too if you want to put them.2X 150w 20K should be enough for any coral.That Pet place has them.If you want to spend about 400.00 that is.Very hot though but nice shimmering effect.

[Fly Guy]

Ive got the 46 bowfront as well. A couple of months ago I bought the coralife deluxe PC running 2x96 w 10k and 03 actinic as well as the lunar lights. I think i spent $220 or so on it including the legs. Im very happy with it. The removable cover is great for cleaning and it swings up out of your way easily, (at different increments if you hack on the provided leg clips a little). I dont have any SPS so it seems to be plenty of light, my corals are happy even though if you see my post from earlier today ive been keeping them a little cold. : (

-b

[reef_noob]

Originally Posted by zanymaster

I have the same tank and I went out and bought the Coralife advanced 36" MH lighting and it's got it's own legs too if you want to put them.2X 150w 20K should be enough for any coral.That Pet place has them.If you want to spend about 400.00 that is.Very hot though but nice shimmering effect.

I have the same light and found the 20k to be too low of par for sps. I switched to XM 10k's which have a lot mor par, but they cost $50 each.

[zanymaster]

The hamiltons 14k's are good too which are a bit pricey too.They have a sale going on for them.54.95 for the 14k and 59.95 for the 10k.

[Rob_Reef_Keeper]

I would go with 2 MH's. 150W HQI's would work great over that tank. But beware - you will need to adda a fan to use evaoprative cooling or a chiller.

[srcfoo]

So if I go with just metal halides (2 x 150W) will I be missing the beautiful blues/purples that actinics add? Or will the halides still provide all that?

Thanks for all your replies. It's given me a lot of ideas.

[rookie50]

I've got same tank and recently went with two coralife pendants (150W ea).I'm using 150W HQI DE bulbs 10K.
Looks good lot of shimmering and each is placed on either side of plastic center brace.When I replace bulbs down the road I may try on pendant with a 20K or 14K.But for now I'm happy with the lights. Nice thing about these pendants is you can adjust height easily above tank so keeping heat under control is a snap.A bit pricey though as ea one will run about $230.

[srcfoo]

rookie50,

Your tank looks awesome! I think you just sold me on the two 150W pendants.

How much live rock do you have in your tank?

Thanks.

[rookie50]

Thanks Srcfoo for your compliments, its been a real learning experience with the help of a lot of people here at TRT.
I've got about 55lbs LR. Waiting for a nice clam soon when dealer gets some in, thats why I upgraded to MH lighting.
I found the Coralife pendants a little more stylish for my decor than some and being able to easily adjust height on them makes heat control very easy.
I'm sure you will be happy with them, as I went from PC to these and the difference it makes is incredible!
Good luck.

[srcfoo]

Do you have a chiller or does the open top eliminate any heat problems?

How often do you end up topping off your tank?

[rookie50]

no chiller, top off very other day about two gallons. Temp swings from 78.5 to max 82 which I can live with, doesn't seem to bother the fish or corals.

[Dani]

Where do those pendants hang from? Ceiling, posts,?

[rookie50]

sorry it doesn't show in pic. They hang from cieling, and wiring goes into attic and down inside wall, then pluged into ballasts in cabinet under tank, therefor no wires showing and being in a corner area it gives a rather clean appearance. Since this is the living room its the only way my wife would allow it,hehe.