150W DE Over 16" Tank for T. Max?

[BOMPH]

I am in the process of setting up my new reef after a 4 year hiatus from the hobby... The only equipment I have is an RO/DI unit on order, and am planning on going broke on monday for the rest of the equipment 3/1

I am planning on the PFO Acrolight hood w 150w HQI 10000K + 2 VHO supplements on Icecap E-ballasts.

I would be totally new to clams at this stage, as all my previous tank inhabitants were LPS/Softies....

Do you think this light ( approx 22" from botton of the tank ) would be sufficient. I have read places that 150w DE is comparable to 250w SE.. I figure that at that depth I am in reasonable shape.

I could always go with the 250w DE, and pass on a refractometer and pH monitor I was planning on buying now.... I guess I could always buy those when I get paid in april...

As I said, there isn't even water made for this tank. I dont even plan on the clam for 6 months minimum, but if I am going to buy something, I might as well do it right the first time....

Thanks for you input in advance.

 

[DT's_Reef]

You'll be totally fine with that lighting set-up. It's plenty for a 16" tall tank.

I would only suggest 250w if you feel for certain you're going to go to a decently larger/deeper tank.

 

[Sloth]

That's very similar to what I'm doing. My max was closer to the light but he jumped onto the sandbed and thats where he stayed. He seems OK and he's growing, and so is his new crocea buddy. I would think they will be OK.

 

[BOMPH]

Thanks for the input. I figured I was OK with that, given the relative lack of depth in the tank. Plus I will have 3-4 inches of sand in there, so really I am looking at only about 18-29 inches from sand bed to bottom of the hood....