Is this too much light?

[Reefaholic]

I have a 36x24x20. I think I have that right. 36 length x 24 width x 20 height. I have a 5 foot hamilton hood. 3 x 250 mh, and 4 x 55 w pc. I cut it and installed in the hood that came with my new tank. I installed 2 250w mh and 2 55w pc's. I think that may be too much. Am I better off using 1 250w mh and 2 pcs, being that I have the equipment, or, ice cap t5 retro.

 

[Fish_wiz2]

IMO no such thing as too much and if i could i would slap 2 400's on that but i would suggest 1 250 and the PC's because of the elec. bills i mean if elec. was cheap i would do 2 1000's on my 75 but in these days (economy wise) i have to limit myself to 2 250's but if you can pay em and want the best do 2 250's all the PC's and you got an extreme light that will hopefully make corals grow like weeds or cook them:lol:

 

[ACBlinky]

I don't think 2x250W is too much, but do make sure you're running fans and/or a chiller. With 2 MH and 2 PC bulbs under a hood, you could end up with overheating issues this summer.

I run 2x400W with 2x54W T5 on my 90g, and love it. My tank is predominantly softies (zoas, leathers, cloves, GSP, mushrooms) with two stonies (fox & candycane). Everything loves life in the sun -- I see full PE and loads of growth.

If you have corals that are used to significantly lower light it's important to acclimate them to their new lighting, but once they're used to a bright tank most corals (even those that tolerate low light) respond very well.

 

[B.C.theReefer]

The more the merrier. Let's face it, sunlight is way brighter(even under 30ft of water)than just about any reasonable artificial light. I'd say you should use all three. The one in the middle could be 20,000k and the other two could be 12 or 14,000k. Then maybe use a couple PCs for morning and evening actinic lighting. Just make sure they are far enough above the tank and have proper ventilation so your water doesn't warm up. I currently have one 400w and two 70w halides. I'm going to get rid of the two smaller ones and get another 400.

 

[downhillbiker]

i dont think that you need that much. i would go with 2x 250 + supplement at most. i just really think the overkill will add up more on the electricity bill than in coral growth.