Re Lighting

wrote in message
...
I have a 65 high reef tank, 36" long. I am currently using metal
halide on it, however it is costing me approx $65.00 a month just to
run the lights, The pumps are extra of course. I have a nice mix of
hard and soft coral. The question is what can I replace the metal
halides with that will give me the proper lighting for the reef at a
greatly reduced electricity cost. Between the price of utilities and
the ever increasing gasoline prices it is impossible. If I can't find
a cheaper way to light my reef I wil have to give up on it and get rid
of it.
Thanks
Rob

What are you running for lights now? Something like 2x250W? You could go
for T5HO, with 6 or 8 bulbs, but your tank is pretty tall and you won't get
as much PAR down low as you do with MH. You can make it work if you're
careful with your placement. You'll also save money on replacement bulbs
with T5HO.

Of course, the lowest overall operational cost is teh new LED lights
(Solaris, etc.) but they require a hefty up front investment.

--
Steve