Lighting and patterns

[ddinox64]

I currently have 2 sets of 2x65w CFLs Thinking of buying another set which would give me 390 watts over 78 gallons.

Or I can buy 2x96w to go with my 4x65w for 452 watts.

Or just 2x65w and 2x96w for 322 watts.

I would have more timing options with 6x65 and the 2x96 with the 4x65s. Doing a 2-4-6-4-2 pattern. With the 2x65 and 2x96 it would be 2-4-2.

All this taking place over a 78 gallon 48Lx18Dx24T display. I know some will say more is better. But when it comes to mostly softies and some of the sps/lps(currently candy cane and hammer coral doing good under 130 over a 30g) being closer to top. Does it really?

MHs are out and T5s too, money saved here gets thrown at other stuff like rock and more coral.

 

[rickh]

I wouldn't get more PC lights and I have PC lights. They work well, but you will be spending a fortune replacing the bulbs. All those PC bulbs replaced every 9-12 months or T5s every 18-24 months. Get a retro T5 or even a inexpensive Current T5 light to add to the lights you have. r