8x39w ATI Sunpower OR 2x175w MH + 4x39w T5HO
 

Alright so i have to decide on a light for my 35.5"L x 23.5"W x 12"H shallow tank.

I want to be able to grow anything I want (clams, sps, etc.)

The light will sit in this hood/canopy - the bottom of the canopy is 6" above the tank is 11" tall.
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/a...atel/003-1.jpghttp://i992.photobucket.com/albums/a...atel/009-1.jpg

I can fit -

• 2x175w halides (using reef optix 2 reflectors) + Iwasaki 14k bulbs + electronic ARO ballasts.
• 4x39w T5HO retrofit kit running 2 ATI Blue+, 1 ATI Purple+ and 1 ATI Aquablue Special

total cost on this is about $460 (I already own the t5 bulbs and ballasts - so i havent included them in the cost)

506 watts of light - bulb replacement cost yearly is $230

Cons - potential heat issue? electrical consumption? I had another thread going which many of you assisted on I am under the impression i shouldnt need a chiller with the 175w halides. I can run them at night in the summer if needed to offset the temp.



OR




ATI 8x39w Sunpower which is $500 (living by the border has its advantages1) - this light is 17" wide so there would be a narrow area at the front and back of tank that wouldn't be lite but i don't plan on stuffing corals against the glass. I already have 7 brand new t5's so i just need one more.

312w of light - bulb replacement cost yearly is $176

http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/image...werFixture.jpg

I just replace my 250 watt metal halide with a 4X24 sunpower and can't say I can see a difference in the brightness. I also run a 10X54 powermodule over the tank and can grow sps in the sand 24 inches away.