90 gallon lighting question

[logitec]

Hello, This is my first SW tank I have a regular 90g tank with 2VHO and 1 250w MH. will that be enough lighting for the tank or do i need another 250w.

 

[BurntOutReefer]

whats going in the tank? Thats the real question. With your current chioce, you should be able to keep most corals.

 

[boxer385]

whats the dimension of the tank, but i beleive what you have is enough.

 

[logitec]

the dimesion is 48x18x24, im not sure what will go in the tank since im very new at this hobby. I was just wondering if that is enough lighting to keep most basic corals.
Im thinking of running the 250w for around 7hrs and switch to the VHO for 5hrs.

 

[ANGRY JOHN]

i have the same tank with 2x250w and its to much. You should be fine with the single but need to look into the high par bulbs like the xm 10k or the pheonix 14k. The ballast and reflector have a major impact on if it will be enough and how the bulbs will look. If you are running an m80 with a good reflector you should be fine imo. My corals grow down, so two is to much, with the higher par bulbs and good reflectors. Both sets of bulbs need to go at the same time and run the vho's as atinics for 10-12 hours and the halide for 8 or so, during the middle of the atinic cycle. This will give you good color and decent growth.

 

[reefEng10]

standard 90g is kind of a tough shape for a single 250 but with careful central coral placement and assuming you don't have a center brace in the way of the light you may be ok.

I have 2x250w and 2x54w t5 on my 90 and find it is perfect for my needs. Granted the 250's are in pretty pathetic reflectors in an Aquamedic fixture so I'm not getting everything out of them I could.

It will depend on what your plans are for the tanks inhabitants. FO you have more than enough light, softies more than enough. Most LPS you have plenty. Proper placement SPS and clams. SPS dominated you probably want 2x250.

 

[reeferlover]

get t5 ho and ditch the mh just imho