Lighting 33" Deep Mixed Reef

[Elmac1]

Building a mixed reef. Tank is 96" wide x 34" deep x 33" tall. I'm planning for 4x400 watt metal halides. Hoping that is sufficient for SPS on top and LPS in the middle and bottom. Is that enough? Too much? Just right?

 

[grigsy]

That is plenty of light for that size tank. You wont have any issue keeping SPS at the top at all and or LPS at the bottom even at 33" tall. It would be a good lighting choice as well for that size tank.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I agree, more than enough light. And in the winter your heat will run less too! (just teasing... kinda)

 

[Elmac1]

Think I can get away with 3 400 watt fixtures?

 

[Ron Reefman]

oops!
see below.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Think I can get away with 3 400 watt fixtures?

Tough call. It depends so much on what reflectors you have and how high off the water you hang them. I think you could make 3 work. But IMHO I'd go with four 250 watt MH which should still be more than enough to grow anything... even at 33" deep. But that's just my opinion and I haven't played with MH in 6 years now.