opinion on lighting for 65gallon

[pf1130]

I want to upgrade the lighting over my 65 gallon mixed reef (36"x 18" x 24") . I was originally thinking of going with a 6 bulb T5 setup. But now im considering doing dual 150W HQI's (14,000k phoenix bulbs). http://www.aquacave.com/aqua-medic-dual-150wbr-double-ended-hqibr-metal-halide-retro-kit-1202.html Any opions? Or someone with pictures of their lighting setup on a 65. Also what about actinic supplementation? Is it usually necessary/noticeable etc with halides? My LFS runs the 14k phoenix bulbs and never turns on their PC actinics, when i asked why not they turned them on for me and there was basically no difference. Then again they run their lighting setup fairly high off the water which could be a factor. I welcome all opinions and input. Thanks in advance.

[pf1130]

Also forgot to ask are those parabolic reflectors halfway decent or should I look into something else?

[grigsy]

That would be a good choice IMO and better than T5. The only thing I dont care for Eballasts with HQI bulbs - they underdrive them and the output is not as good. Maybe they could get you the HQI ballast?

[Toddrtrex]

I have a 58 ( same footprint, just not as tall ), and have 2*250 20K XMs over it plus 2*96 PC actinic. My tank is mainly SPS, with anemones ( Haddoni carpets ), a clam and zoas. I am able to keep SPS on the sandbed.

[pf1130]

Thanks for the responses. A few more questions.

Are those reflectors ok for what I want to do? I dont currently have any sps, and being a mixed reef I could always keep them at the top. I want to be able to keep almost anything as long as its placed correctly. Does this setup and particular these reflectors fit the job?

Any opinions about coloration between this setup and T5's. I wanted to go T5 because of the ability to mix bulbs and bring out the best colors. Am I giving up a lot here? I've only seen a few T5 setups in person and wasnt impressed (probably attributed to bubl selection though) with the colors compared to MH.

[pf1130]

bump