I think I am going to to hold off and re-think the lighting. If I can't use my 400w, I might just do SPS in a larger tank in my basement, and go with a softie/LPS tank with VHOs or PCs, as I have an icecap 660 I am not using. I could run up to 4x75w VHO with that ballast, or would PC be better?

Does glass lower the PAR as much as acrylic?

You can run T-5s off the IC660 too....

Yeah, but the cost of the individual reflectors added up quick! Unless you know where to get them cheaper.

Plus I have VHO endcaps, although if cheap enough I could buy T5 endcaps, havent found anywhere reasonably priced though.

How many T5 bulbs would you run?

Probably more because it is less clear. Basically you don't want anything between the bulb and the water.

History shows that those that start with fluorescent lighting eventually upgrade to metal halide. IMO it is simply the nicest and most versatile lighting for a reef system. :mrgreen:

For now I am going to go softy/LPS tank to keep the cost down, and just order 2, 75w VHO tubes.

SPS will have to wait until I setup my 3ft 50g.

I am using a 150watt HQI pendant from Coralife with a 20k Bulb over my 30 gallon cube. My tank is drilled and runs into a 33 gallon sump with a automatic top off system. I have some sps in the tank at this moment and I will be adding more in the future. 150 watt is the way to go IMO.

Reefhawk, how is your hood setup?

I think he's using a pendant? :biggrin:

Impossible! Ok fine, I shouldn't read so fast.... :mrgreen:

This is what it looks like 150Watt HQI. hidden behind rock on the left is a sieo 1500 :mrgreen: I also use a mag 9 for return.

http://www.canreef.com/photopost/dat...dium/canme.jpg