Ya, it's another lighting question.

[rantsandraves]

OK, we picked up our 155 galloon bowfront and are discussing the age old question; "What type of lights do we get for it?" I would love to go with t5's while my lovely and much smarter than I am bride of 20 would like metal halides. The tank inhabitants will be, besides fish, leathers, shrooms, polyps, zoos and one bta. How much t5 lighting would be required, since I know that watts is more of a reflection of heat output than actual PAR, I would like to hear the expert's opinions. I know we would go with 3-250watt halides if we go that route. The only light seeker in the tank will be the bta. Thanks for your replies in advance.

[OIIIIIO]

I suggest a compromise. Use both. You don't want to make her mad already. Wait a few more years for that

[Wiskey]

Lol,.. How long is this tank? Is it 6 foot? How deep is it? How wide is it?

Whiskey

[DarthOcellaris]

Both is a good compromise like ^ stated

I like the shimmer of the halides and the cost efficiency of T5's. If you haven't yet done so, do a search for some of the large tank builds around here. You'll get some great ideas and advice on what amount and what length of T5's to go with

I'm thinking the general consensus is that you just load as many as your lid holds I think.

[rantsandraves]

The tank dimensions are 24" tall, 72" long and 18" (on the ends) and 24" (center) deep.
Thanks for advice whiskey. It's been blissfull so far, I plan on keeping it that way.

[rantsandraves]

Oh, and no hood.

[Wiskey]

In all honisty if I was going to light that tank I would probably go with MH,.. You could get a fixture that has both 250W MH and T5 for atinics. Since you don't have a hood you'll be going an pretty expensive route either way getting a fixture.

The problem is that they don't make a 6 foot long T5 bulb,.. so to get even coverage you will end up with staggering 5 foot tubes (requires a hood) or getting a four foot fixture, and 2 foot fixture.

Whiskey