I will be upgrading my lighting from T5 VHO to Metal Halide fixtures within the next two weeks. I have done some searching and have a couple of questions regarding the upgrade. I am looking at two kits (links below) and am trying to decide which I should go with, if either of them. Both are IceCap kits from DIYReef.com. I will be installing these in the canopy of my 80 ga. Marineland Bowfront Reef. I will also be adding several 120 mm fans for cooling, and top of the canopy will be some type of screen to maximize airflow around the MHs and keep water temps down. The tank is 24 inches deep I believe, and 4 feet wide. I am keeping a variety corals, including Acans, Leathers, Acros, Monti's, Candy Canes, Ricordias, Zoos, Bubble, Sun Coral, & even 2 sponges. Basically, I'm upgrading to Halides to boost the growth and enhance the coloring of my SPS. I am thinking that Each MH Retro kit below includes a ballast and a fixture. I am thinking that two of these 250 Watt kits should be sufficient for my setup. Any thoughts or suggestions on this? Also, I am trying to decide on bulbs. I am looking at the 14000k bulbs, but am interested in the 15000k's as well. They claim these bulbs were developed to remove the need for additional actinic lighting. Does anybody have any experience with these bulbs? I like my tank to have a slight blue tint in regards to color temperature. And my final question! As far as acclimating my corals to the new MH lighting, what is the best process? I am planning to move all SPS and LPS towards the bottom of the tank to begin with so that they can adjust, but do I need to worriy about this with my Zoanthids & Xenia colonies? Thanks for any suggestions, input, and advice. https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=55_64&products_id=583 https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=55_64&products_id=751 -Jeremy
