Help with lighting on a 90 gallon

[timschmidt]

I have my 90 gallon up and running and it currently is a FOWLR. But, I always knew I wanted to have coral so I am looking at lighting and think I have found a rather nice retro kit to install in my canopy. But I would like all of you thoughts and opinions.

I am thinking 2 x 250 watt MH Phoenix 14,000k bulbs and 2 x 54 watt HO T5 TRU actinic bulbs. All lights would have parabolic reflectors and so on. But in your opinion would this be enough (or too much) light for a clam to be placed on my sand bed? Other than the clam I would have a plate, pulsing xenia, frogspawn, bubble (on opposite ends of the tank), and after I install a SCWD I want some acro (branched stuff, LOL so I haven't studied them enough yet...) and then that plate type coral, looks a bit like a ledge of coral.

So is this too little, just right, or overkill?

ARO ballasts, what does the ARO refer too? Tried searching, but came up blank.

Last silly question I have just a little over 48 inches of actual real estate in my canopy, are 48 inch T5s actually 48 inches or are they really over 48 due to end caps and so on?

[Zestay]

link to that kit? i might want to buy it myself =)

[timschmidt]

Retrofit MH and T5 kit Here you go.

[kfisc]

Assuming your tank is 24" deep, you'll be fine for just about anything. The xenia might find it a tad strong, but not likely.

[timschmidt]

Tank is 24 inches deep. Thanks for the input.

[kgross]

That light should be fine.

Kim

[timschmidt]

Thank you for your input. Ok, now to really stir up the pot. I was reading a couple other threads here on T5 lighting and I would like to get a quick poll on wether or not a clam would thrive on T5 lighting? I want to keep heat down without a chiller. How many bulbs would you think we be best for clams? I found some retros that are the following: 48" 2 x 54w T5 HO Retrofit Kit

I was thinking 4 bulbs, two actinic and two 10k. I've read that the lights are cooler, actually give of more usable light, and more cost effective over all. For the shimmer that I want I plan on using white LEDs instead of overheating my tank.

[kgross]

If you have the good reflectors with 4 54 watt t5 bulbs you will be able to keep a clam, but in a 90 gallon, I would not suggest you put it below about 1/2 down the tank, if you moved up to 6 bulbs with good reflectors you should be able to put the clam on the sand if you wanted to.

Kim

[timschmidt]

Thanks.