2x250w or 2x400w MH?

[luke33]

Would a standard 6' 125g reef tank be better with 2x250 36k lum MH or 2x400w 36k lum lights? Is this all the lighting or would i need t5's as well, or is that only for looks?

 

[frederickk]

It is mostly for what you want to keep in your tank. Are you looking for SPS or softies and LPS?

 

[luke33]

SPS, softies, anemones and maybe LPS down the road.

 

[GSMguy]

2x400

 

[McCrary]

3 metal halides may cover the area better than 2.

 

[luke33]

They won't fry softies would they, being directly under them, or should i keep them closer to the lower light, towards the bottom? And would i need any more supplemental lighting than that?

 

[McCrary]

3x250 halides would be fine for softies. I don't know the PAR ratings for 36K, but it seems it would be much lower than 14K or 20K. You could even go to the 400watt halides and just keep the softies to the bottom or move them to one side and put a few layers of screen over that side.

 

[ACBlinky]

I went 2x400 MH on my 90g and I'm really happy with the choice. I have leathers, zoas and even shrooms happy as can be -- as long as you acclimate them slowly, most anything should be fine with 400s. If you do get something that wants less light, most tanks have a few overhangs and caves; I'm sure you could find a suitable spot.

If the tank is 6' long, I agree you might want 3 MH bulbs. AFAIK a single MH bulb will cover a 2x2' area, so with just two you may end up with some shadows depending on how they're placed.