Re: 90 gal reef
Thanks for the follow up Steven, is there a metal halide fixture out there for me other than the space light that is light and could be hung above the tank?
<I am glad you wrote back. I just read an interesting article last night about double ended lamps vs. single ended lamps and I must admit now that I was wrong before. The entire article is based on dispelling myths about double ended lamps, primarily being that they are more powerful than their single ended counterparts. Basically, double ended lamps do not have a built in UV shield and are generally tested with a reflector while single ended lamps are tested without. This gives the data a skewed picture. The article is here http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/aug2002/review.htm>
I just haven't found any fixtures that can be supported above the tank. I
don't think it would be a good idea to place a metal halide unit right on top of the glass.
<Correct>
Any suggestions? Ideas? Thanks!
<This unit will be fine. Keep your LPS near the bottom, though. -Steven Pro>

Lighting up
Oh Bob I forgot to tell you. I bought a compact lighting unit for my 45 gallon tank. It contains two 55w bulbs (pretty bright) made the tank look incredible. I also bought a 30w Actinic bulb for my existing light strip that came with the tank. Everything looks good. They only thing I notice was an increase of the brown algae. This could be the result of a larger amount of water changed than usual. Would the increase of lighting produce the brown algae?
<Mmm, yes... at first... this "too shall pass"... as the system adjusts to more and different light/photonic energy>
But a word of advice to everyone don't look directly into the actinic bulbs while they are on your eyes will go crazy. Hey Bob if you post this message on your web site everybody will probably start looking directly at the light.
<You are a worthy strategist. I will add my comment as well. Looking directly into any artificial light source is ill-advised. Bob Fenner>
Thanks for your help.
David S. Garcia