Upgraded to a 72 gallon bowfront, need lighting suggestions.

I just upgraded from a 46 gallon bow with dual PC bulbs to a 72 gallon bow. I need to order new lighting. I have have soft corals, zoos, and brain corals. I would like to add and clams and a few hard corals. I was looking at 6x54 HO T5's or dual 250 watt HQI with 2 actinics. I would really prefer the 6 T5's due to the power consumption and replacement bulb costs. I do however want to be successful at this hobby and don't want to be under powered in the lighting department. All input will be considered and appreciated.

Thanks!

 

On my current 72 gallon bow i am using dual 250w halides and it looks great. However prior to that i ran 4 VHO 110w bulbs. I was able to keep everything you mentioned minus hard corals.

For what you are wanting to keep i believe that metal halides is the only option you have to be successful at it.

 

If I go metal halide, do I also need Actinics?

My 72 bow is only 13" deep before the bow so I need to get something that will fit it. All the halide setups I have seen are 15+" deep if they include Actinics. I can't imagine not having a blue hue. Any thoughts on that. I was really hoping for someone with a similar setup in T5 HO's to comment on their experience. I know 4x54 is way low but from what I have read 6x54 ought to be on the edge of great for 72 gallons. I was planning on 4 10000k and 2 460nm actinics. Not so sure though as it is 23" deep. Argh this is tough to figure out!

 

If I go metal halide, would i need 250w x2 or 150w x2 to light 23" deep??

 

T5 will easily grow everything he wants.... As long as the unit is quality as are the lamps and of course water quality is up to par, pun intended.

MH pendants will work. But then you need to add supplemental lamps for blue/actinic or go with higher kelvin MH lamps.

T5 retro, will work as will say a Solar Flare....

 

Got to agree with the Dr. again, I ran a 4x54w T5 and grew montipora and a crocea clam. Just upgraded to a Tek 6x54w fixture and really like it. The halides will simulate natural sunlight best, but they are expensive, you will most likely need supplemental Actinic lighting and the heat issue, plus they consume more power per watt compared to T5s. But in the end, it's really your choice. Either setup can work and be very successful.