new setup, would like advice

[grizz99]

i just setup a 75 gal tank and was holding off on buying the light until i could learn more. i was thinking of maybe 2 175 watt MH, and maybe 2 110 watt VHO. would this be enough or should i go with 2 250 watt MH? also i have no idea of what brands i should go with and when i look around i end up just getting lost. your best suggestions would be appreciated.
BTW, i'd like to be able to put just about anything in the tank, what works best for everything in general?
i'd also need the hood and everything, i don't have anything for the lights yet. thanks for any help.

[Chuck S]

If you want to go with SPS I would go with the extra punch of the 250's over the 175's.

[grizz99]

what brands would everyone recommend for their ideal setup? i need everything necessary for lighting my tank.

[Chuck S]

I would use URI VHO bulbs.

I would use either Ushio 10K or Iwasaki 6500K bulbs.

Keep in mind kelvin rating is of a personal preference nature.
PFO ballasts are good staple and used by alot in the hobby.

I prefer Blueline E-Ballast for the 10K lighting and on a 65K bulk I use regular M-59 ballast one can buy at the local electric supply store.

This all depends what more one can suggest is whether you want to retro fit an existing hood or want to buy a fully made hood?

[grizz99]

retro fitting a hood sounds complicated and i've never seen it done before, i was thinking of just getting a complete hood. any ideas for that? also where is the best place online to purchase the stuff that i need?

[Chuck S]

I highly recommend Premium Aquatics. They are excellent in customer service and will take care of you.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2...egory_Code=PFOh (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PA&Category_Cod e=PFOh)



There are many hood options. For what your looking for since you dont want to build it you will pay more. It will cost you 750-1000.00 for this kind of hood setup

[grizz99]

i think i have decided to go with this setup,
2)prem. aquatics (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code =SL-OPTIX3&Category_Code=Sunpendant)
2) prem.aquatics (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code =10K-250HQI&Category_Code=Hbulbs)
1) prem.aquatics (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code =SB-BW7-250D&Category_Code=sunlightballast)
now my question is does anybody have any objections to this kit? and will i need to order anything else to make this work? remember i have no lighting equipment to start with and i would like to get it all in one shipment.
i think the total for this is like 843.35 before shipping. does that seem like a reasonable deal for this type setup?
my last question is for the 110 watt VHO should i go with the: super actinic blue, actinic white 50/50, or the aquasun daylight? or should i mix 2 of them together?

[Chuck S]

So your going with 2 of these pendants?

Have you thought about dusk/dawm lighting?

2xVHO actinics

The setup you have listed is going to run you around 625.00 and has no dusk/dawn period for you tank. It will work but aesthetically you may want a couple of actinics.