IceCap 660 Help

[deeporl]

Ok here's the deal. I bought a used system from a friend. It was complete. Lights, skimmer, and just everything. I'm going to use it as an upgrade to my old 40 long. The 40 long will shortly find itself as a sump. The new tank is 48" long by 16" deep by 20" tall. This isn't counting the built in refig. in the back because that isn't being lit by the IceCap. Ok so here's the question. He sent me some bulbs he didn't get to use yet they are 40W VHO's from URI 1 Acintic and 3 50/50's I'm questioning there ability to fulfill my lighting requirements. Oh btw the hood doesn't have a reflector so I'm thinking more light loss in the black acrylic hood. So the question is with my balast I know I can run up to 440w across 4 bulbs. So do I go out and buy 4 110w VHO's or is there something else I should be getting. Let me know. If I need to buy something other than a bulb for optimum performance with this ballast IE a new endcap let me know where I can get it also if there is a type of bulb I should be getting a link to a site I can buy it from would be helpful.

[deeporl]

Also I guess it important to say that I want to keep a wide variety of corals. I like my mushrooms and zoos and my other low lights that I was forced to have under my PC's but now I want to expand some too and work up to SPS or even a Clam but I also want to keep my other guys. Just want to make sure I get enough light but not too much.

[Entropy]

I think you will be fine with 440w of VHO. I would run two 50/50's and two actinics. By the way, four foot VHO bulbs are 110w, so if you have VHO bulbs already, then they are not 40w.

[deeporl]

Alright yup all are 110w. So anything I want can be done or is that against recomendations? Basically I want a wide range of corals from zoos and mushrooms to SPS to clams.

[Entropy]

On a 20 inch tall tank you should be fine with just about anything. The SPS and maybe the clams should be kept in the top half of the tank IMO though.

[szwab]

should be fine with Entropy's advice.
but I hate to say that if you are like most and want to do sps and clams you'll be looking for a MH set up before you know it ;)

it's hard to resist :D

[Entropy]

I agree on the metal halides, but the nice thing is you can just add them in later and remove the two 50/50 bulbs (or convert them to actinic).

[deeporl]

Thanks. I'm really excited got the bulbs glowing and now just need to figure out the plumbing thanks alot.

[Entropy]

No problem. Good luck on the plumbing!

[szwab]

yep that's where the real fun begins. I think they know me by name at Lowe's :D

[Entropy]

Just buy 3 more of everthing than you actually need. :) Or better yet the contractor 25 packs. LOL!

[paulpp187]

sps and clamms depending on species will require mh