VHO's & Zoanthids?

I am thinking about getting some zoas but i dont have sufficient lighting, i also am considering possibly a condy nem. But i was thinking about building a custom canopy w/ lighting for my 55 gallon and I was wondering if a 2 bulb 48" VHO fixture is suitable for a 55g zoanthid tank, i want to be able to grow all types of zoa's and paly's.

 

For most colors, most certainly. For the pickier colors, just move them higher in the rock.

 

so that is semi-sufficient then?

 

No, it's perfectly fine. If you want faster growth, 4 would be better. That might be something to consider. I see your age so I'm assuming a money issue. (If I'm wrong, please don't be offended). Maybe get a ballast that is strong enough to fire 4 bulbs but only run 2 now. Then save up and get the other 2 bulbs. Just a thought.

 

i could get the money but i am aiming for inexpensive, i want to keep hardier varieties but will the 2 bulb be ok if i put them mid or bottom tank (its a 55g).

 

Heck, you could keep just about all varieties mid to high in the tank under just 2 bulbs. It's going to be in the lower third, where a few won't do well.

I do want to examine the apparent "inexpensiveness" of VHO to you. These VHO's are going to be cheaper up front but you'll have to replace the bulbs every 6 months. T5HO is more expensive up front but is MUCH CHEAPER lin the ong-run because the bulbs last so much longer.

 

Are the t5s equally powerful?

 

They are more powerful. If you buy a quality reflector, they are waaaay more powerful.

 

so then 2 48" t5's will be plenty?

 

what bulb specs do you guys reccomend for 2 T5's?