[rodwhsa]

Hey, new to saltwater, I am setting up a 50gal. corner tank. I would like it to be a reef tank eventuly. I have 3" crushed coral that I took out of an established tank.

Because this is a corner tank I built a ledge with dry rock/coral mix that I have been saving and toped it with live rock so that the live rock would be within 12-18 inches from the lights. I have two 175 watt metal halides that I am building into a metal box and hanging them off the top. I am going to try to find a 10,000 Kelvin and 6,500 Kelvin bulbs for the two fixtures.

These are obviously not your typicle aquarium lights, so my question is: Doese anyone have any experience with modified lighting, and am I on the right track with these.

[glampka]

Most MH lights for reef tanks are 10K, 14K or 20K. 6500 is too low for use in a reef tank. If you use it be prepared for algae bloom. Normal rule of thumb is 1 light for every 2 feet of tank length.

Also would suggest you get rid of the crushed coral & go with LS instead. The cc is large particle size & detritus will settle in there.

[Tonz of fun]

Lights are a hard issue to tackle with your corner tank. So will be your sump. I went with this light and it works and looks like a charm.
Current USA 24 inch Outer Orbit 1x150w 10K HQI-MH w/ 4x24W T5 HO & 12 Lunar Lights (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Lighting > Fixtures > Metal Halide > 24in Units > Double Ended MH > MH With T5 )

Light no longer sits on my tank though it needs to be 12 inches off at least