Lighting for 230gallon - 4 250s or 2 250s w 400

[sleizure]

As subject says, I'm starting to plan out my 230 gallon 72 25 30 - Just starting to ponder the lights. Will be a mixed reef - I'm wondering, 4 250watt Halides, or 2 250watt halides on the sides and one 400 in the middle? Of course will be supplemented by flourescents - or is that necessary? Thinking icecap ballasts for all.

 

[john37]

if you use lumenarcs like me you can get away with 3-250W or maybe even 2-250watts.

 

[fishaholic911]

I will be running 4 250watts on my 300 gallon

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

if it is only 6' long and 2' wide, then 3x250W....if you want to keep more light demanding sps and clams, then a 400W in the middle would be a good idea - IMO

 

[aurorafish]

how many center braces does you tank have, if it has 2 then the 3 bulbs would be best as less shaddowing will occur

 

[sleizure]

It's eurobraced - I've been thinking 3 with lumenarc's as well - I do not have a canopy built yet but will be doing so soon. The height of the tank is 25 and the width is 30inches, and would definitely like to keep clams.

Perhaps 13Ks all around may work for this - or one 10000k 400watt, and 2 20000k 250s - ahh the decisions!

 

[aurorafish]

go 3 400 watt radiums

 

[humboldt reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7404241#post7404241 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aurorafish
go 3 400 watt radiums

Yep run em on hqi's no need for supplemental lighting. They look awesome.