[yorkie]

I would like your recommendations on good lighting for a 65GAL 48L 21D 18W Reef tank. I have a hood and two of the older style bulbs. (one Actinic and one blue).

 

[JimmyTheJeweler]

2 250w Metal Halide 20k radiums. I like mine a little blue.

 

[tszetela]

What are you looking to keep?
I have a DIY T5 system and after having more different lighting systems than I can count, I must say I Like the T5s alot!!

 

[yorkie]

I currently have about 60 pounds of rock, 2 xenias, a leather that has had about 25 babies, mushrooms, crabs, shrimp and some fish. I would like to go toward more of the corals.

 

[johnnypal]

i have the same size 65g tank, but its 48X18X18. I have 2 175w Aqualine 10k halides and 2 55w actinic03 PC's. It does give out good color, Muchoreef really liked it when he seen it. I could post pics later if you would like, doing a clean up on Saturday.

 

[fishguy0226]

I'd have to say the 250mhs, probably 14k or xms depending on the color you like. If you want to have actinic only in the am/pm then uri vho's whith 10 or 14k mhs. You can always keep the halides up high enough to let your softies get used to it and you will have enough light to keep sps if you decide to in the future.
Good luck!
Scott

 

[pista01]

It really depends on what you want to keep. If you only want soft corals, the T5's are getting popular. I was considering them myself. If you want some LPS corals, you might want a couple 175 MH, at least. 250s would be better. If you want clams, like the maxima, then you will need at least 250s.

I plan on using two 250 watt 10k mh and two T5 actinics on my 75 with softies, LPS, and clams.