Power Compact Lighting Questions

[Reefer Addict]

I'm looking into buying some Power Compact DIY kits, and am curious as to whether I'm making the right decision.
The kits are for 2 55w PC lights (the 22" variety I believe), and I was going to use 2 of them in my canopy (for a total of 4 lights).
My tank is a 50 Gallon tall (36"x24"x16"). I also have my choice of the bulbs to be included. The choices are 10000K, Actinic 03, and 50/50.
I was thinking about getting 2 10000K and 2 Actinic 03 bulbs, but would I be better off getting a different mixture of bulbs?
Also, would this be enough lighting for my aquarium for clams?
I did a search of the forums and found a lot of information, but none were directly related to what I'm planning on doing, so I thought I'd ask these specific questions.
I plan on adding a halide or two in the future, but for now I'm nearing the end of my budget and would like to get adequate lighting without spending a small fortune.
Thanks in advance.

[Jimbo]

Hi most people would say go with metal halide in a tank that deep. But with enough PC's it will work ok. The 96 watt PC's may be a better choice for you. 3 of those would give you ~300 watts. Check out this link for cheap ballast to run those bulbs from HD. I think you would also save money on replacement bulbs by going with the higher output units.
http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...about+lighting
Hope this helps.

[aquaticsdeptleader]

youll need to put the clams close to the light source

[Reefer Addict]

The 96 watt PC's may be a better choice for you.

Hrm... I had looked at the 96 Watt bulbs, but they seemed to only be available in the 36" variety. I'm not sure if I'll have the clearance for both the bulb and the socket, since my canopy is only going to be a hair over 36" inside (maybe around 37"). Will the 36" bulbs fit?
Thanks for the reply.

[ylmaya]

I am also setting up a 36" x 24" tank (but mine is 18" wide making it a 65G).

I went with 4 96w pc bulbs, 2 true blue and 2 10,000K white.

I wish I could do MH but my cabinet doesn't have enough ventilation and since I live in Fl the heat would be a big problem.

Go with 36" PC if they will fit - that way the whole length of your tank is covered. the 4 x 96 retro kit I just got by Custom Sea Life is exactly 36" long. I think the 36" bulbs are actually about 35 1/2 but I will measure - they are still in boxes in my garage waiting for setup day....

Good luck!

[Geoff]

Jimbo-do you get cutbacks for all those ballasts your selling.

G~

[Reefer Addict]

Thanks for the suggestion ylmaya.
I went back and looked, and the bulbs are actually 34", so they could probably fit with a bit of finesse (depending on how big the socket to hold them is). The only drawback is any reflector that I found was 36" long.
The main reason I'm looking at the 22" bulbs is that I can get the whole DIY kit for $80, including bulbs.
I had planned on just getting two kits and staggering the bulbs (two mounted leftward and two rightward).
The cheapest kits I could find for the 96w bulbs were about $160 for a two-bulb kit, so I'd be paying about the same price, but have less wattage overall.
I also have a heat problem, being that I'm in Northern California. We have a couple week spread in the summer where the temperature hits 100 degrees by 10 am... and the only thing cooling our house is a swamp cooler.
I'm just getting my tank started, and am just about tapped on budget (spent WAY more than I thought I was going to), but I'm definitely leaning toward the kits I mentioned.
Can't beat the price anyway... and I'll still have room to add a halide in the future too I think.
I'll probably just have to wait on SPS and high-light clams until I can afford to add a halide to this setup.
Thanks again.

[Jimbo]

Geoff no kickback, but I think HD should send me a couple gratis
Addict check out this link a dual 96 watt hood, with everything for $180 at hellolights
http://www.hellolights.com/362xcoraqpch.html