Adequate lighting system?

[singlew]

I am in the process of rebuilding my canopy to support reef lighting. I want to what a JBJ 48" Retrofit DX-RDX 48" (65W*4), (2) 10K DAYLIGHT/(2) 7100K BLUE providing 260 WATTS will be adequate for as far as corals. The tank measures 18.5" deep with 4.5" DSB so 14" water. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[moonpod]

If you haven't already bought the PC's, go VHO or T5. Better setup IMO. If you've already got the PC's then, well, you'll be fine for softies, shrooms etc...don't push your luck w/clams, sps, or even lps.

[singlew]

Haven't gotten them yet. I was also looking at two 175 watt MH. Do you know of any retro VHO kits?

[moonpod]

VHO retros are available all over. premium aquatics, hellolights, champion lighting, etc.....

T5 is a newer iteration of VHO, yet to be proven in the US, but w/a great track record of the past few years in Germany. Sets are available from reefgeek.com, happy reefing, premium aquatics, ocean encounter.

[singlew]

Thanks for the help. I was looking at a few of these already. The biggest thing is cost. I am trying to stay below $300. Also concerned about power usage and heat. I've pretty much narrowed the choice between 3 48" 110w VHO or dual 175w MHs.

[moonpod]

Thing to remember: almost everyone endsup w/supplemental lighting to go w/the MH.....

[singlew]

One last question. At HelloLights, they have a 4x48" VHO Retro Kit for $155. Sounds too good to be true. 440 watts for $155? Anyhow, the ballast is an ARO model 4L. How is that in comparison to the Ice-Cap 660? Just seams awefully low priced when most places are selling 3X48" sets for $275. That's OK if it's good stuff. Don't want cheap stuff, I want good stuff (On a budget of course :lol: )

[moonpod]

I haven't the foggiest idea what an aro ballast is other than inexpensive. I've got IC's myself and I like 'em, but are they worth the $$$ diff, I have no idea.