New to salt with 55 gallon

[jpl]

I have a new 55 gallon salt tank started. I have done several fresh tanks but wanted a fresh challenge. I have everything pretty well set according to my local fish shop friend but he has suggested I get online here and shop for a few things as well as get suggestions and learn. I am looking to light the tank better. At present i have old fresh lights so they are kind of worthless. I want to do some clams and corrals. Have been debating T5 vs metal halide. Want to have flexability to do lots of things and have been leaning to the halide because ithink the water shimmer would be cool. Advice please!

[Dhummel]

WELCOME TO THE FORM...1ST OFF.
depending on what you do want in the tank, some like the shimmer in the tank, but heat ishues can have an effect on a somewhat shallow tank, i have T5s on my 110 at 22-23" deep and have clams in the bottom with no problem, many people have T5s and have very good growth with SPS as well as myself. MHs can run hotter as well as cost wise also, just some things to look at, look at SWE they have some good ideas as well as different ideas. Many on the form can chime in as you do your searching.
good luck.

[kensilvey]

I had used metal halide over my reefs for over 20 years,just switched to T5 a few nonths ago and will never go back to halides. With T5 you can change bulbs to get different colors. T5 also spreads the light around much better than point specific halides. I now hve better color all away around my corals,where with halides there would be less color where the light did not reach. Like Dehummel said,heat can be a huge issue.

[jpl]

I appreciate the fast responses to this question I will continue to research. Can you get the water shimmer with the T5 at all?

[Becky]

No But there are fixtures now that have a combo of T5s And LEDS that would get the shimmer for you :)

[SaltRooky]

Becareful with Halides, I think a standard 55g is too shallow for Halides. you might end up cooking your clam (clam chowder). Beside, if you are consider sump for your filtration you will have a tought time to find a right sump for a standard 55g. Just my 2 pennies.

[PaulTushaus]

Becareful with Halides, I think a standard 55g is too shallow for Halides. you might end up cooking your clam (clam chowder). Beside, if you are consider sump for your filtration you will have a tought time to find a right sump for a standard 55g. Just my 2 pennies.

you would be perfectly fine putting MH on a 55 I run 2x150w MH on my 40br (only 18" tall vs 21" for 55 gallon) good luck