uggg...I need some new lights...
 

hi all, I currently have a 36" PC 2x96 Watt for my 54g Corne tank...

However I am looking to get some new lights...

I am looking to have a combination of corals, fish and such in my tank (it is only fish right now)

I was looking MH lighting....however it will be impossible for me to mount it on the ceiling. so I was looking @ the 36" Coralife T5 with
21 watt 10,000K daylight and 21 watt true actinic 03 blue T-5 fluorescent lamps.

will that be enough?? or should I still search for some MH lightings?

Those will be dimmer, on their own, than the PC unit you're currently using. MH or HO T5 are your best bets if you want to keep coral healthy.

I've often wondered why people don't just double the amount of PC lighting they already have? Maybe I'm missing something, but if you had 4x96W of PC lighting, wouldn't that be pretty good?

There's only so much PC you can cram into the space over top of an aquarium.

True. My tank is deeper (wider?) than many other 55G, so I've actually been considering putting another set of PCs above it. I think it would all fit.

But also keep in mind that the light can only penatrate so far at a given wattage. So allthough you could put let's say 2 150's you'd still get light further down using a single 250 IMO. :)

How about T12s? my tank is approx 22 inches deep

where can I get decent ligting for decent price here in calgary?'

From me :D

Anyway, T12's are obsolete in this hobby. Don't waste your money.

Regarding the PC vs HO T5 debate, here's more ammo in favor of T5's (aside from the fact that they outperform PC's in every conceivable aspect): Bulb selection.

PC bulb selection is terrible. The colors are Mickey Mouse, the pricing is insane, and that's if you aren't already dealing with the whole straight vs. square pin fiasco. HO T5's have fantastic bulbs. True actinics of a million flavors, red spectrum, pink bulbs, whatever. You can't beat HO T5's for selection and quality.

Seeing as I want to move from PC's....I won't be considering them again. What about MH to VHO T5's? I like the "shiny" affect it give the water.....how will it compare to MH? it is so hard to decide....

Albert...do you think you can PM me some prices on VHO T5's and MH prices?

My openning on my cornor can fit the coral life 36" PC with the legs.

thanks.

Albert--while you're PMing him, could you PM me the cost of your HO T5 setups (my tank is also 36" wide).