enough light?

[wannabegolfer10]

Would two 150W halides be enough light for a 65gal tank that is 24" tall? They would probably sit around 6 inches above the water.

 

[wannabegolfer10]

For SPS's.

 

[BurntOutReefer]

IMO...yes. Although, (depending on placement of bulbs) you will get a "dead" spot in the middle of the tank. I have the same set-up..(albeit 55g). 2 175w....I've just added a 3rd for the middle area....

 

[wannabegolfer10]

I can't really add one in the middle can I? Would the brace get hot enough to weaken it? I also have some 50/50 VHOs; how much do those add to my overall lighting?

Also, the 65 is not as long as a standard 55, does mean that the dead spot would be less noticeable or less significant in terms of lighting the middle?

 

[BurntOutReefer]

figure the bulbs are good for 24" width max with dropoff at the ends...my "dead" spot is really not that bad....sounds like you should be ok....you using reflectors also...?

 

[wannabegolfer10]

Yeah. I'm actually using the light from a Current USA light and mounting it in my canopy. The MH 150W and 96Ws worth of stock actnics. I am going to add another MH and moving the first MH to the side. Everything is stock.

 

[wannabegolfer10]

Also, how exactly would a 150W look compared to a 175W or 250W?

If they look different, how drastic? How much of an advantage would I have by using one of those along with my current 150W?

 

[mushumatt]

I really don't think you will see a dead spot in your tank. I run a 90 gallon with only 2-250 watt MH lights and I do not find a single dead spot. It also has to do with how far up you have your lights and such. 150 watts sounds fine for most SPS. And for the most light hungry SPS I would not recommend them being placed at the bottom of the tank. the 150 watt wont look anymore different then a 175, 250, etc as long as the kelvin rating was the same and such.