How much MH light for a 37g Oceanic?

[FunGuy]

Hey Everyone,

I'm considering the purchase of one of these tanks with a canopy and retrofit lighting. I'm trying to price this setup, but am not sure what lighting to get. Tank dimensions are 24.5 x 18.5 x 21.

I would like to get the best light for a mixed tank... I don't want to have to upgrade later on. I've seen a few people suggest a variety of lights

Would people suggest a 250 MH? 150MH? I will be sticking to 14K lighting. Double 150s too much? I'd also have actinic supplementation in addition to the MH.

I'm trying to find a good balance of light/less evaporation and cost effectiveness.

Any info would be appreciated. If you have a picture of your tank, that would be awesome too!

Thanks

 

[secrest]

Id go for a single 250 with some vho's. Thats what i have on my 30 gallon and it works amazingly

 

[trmiv]

I have a 37 Oceanic that I run as a mixed tank, and I have a 250w DE halide with a 14K bulb.

 

[FunGuy]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm sure 250s look good in the tank.
How much evaporation are you guys getting a week?

Thanks,

 

[trmiv]

I top-off my tank with a 32 gallon brute can that I fill with around 30 gallons. Takes a little over three weeks to drain it, so maybe 8.5 to 9 gallons a week.

 

[Sk8r]

I run a 50 with a 10 gallon sump, and top off about 5-7 brimming cupfuls a day. Our normal house temp is 65 or less, but we keep that one room a shade warmer and it saves me work.

 

[FunGuy]

Could I pull off a 175w with 2 75w actinics and hold nice stuff/color up pretty nicely?

7-10 gallons a week of topoff seems like a lot.