lighting question

[287C]

Can I get away with 3 400 watt MH over a 96in long tank. I have 2 on my 125 60in and I think 3 over a 96in would work at about 12 to 18in above water. I just bought the ballasts and bulbs last month and came across this large tank and couldn't pass it up. Now I'm just put all the equipment together to set it up and this is the last issue I have to figure out. I t will be a mixed reef but my reason for getting the bigger tank is for tangs. I had a Achillies a few years ago and the 125 crashed LFS couldn't tell my why after I couldn't figure it out either. After getting back involved I found RC and looking at some of the tanks here I was hooked again. I have always had a lot of tangs in my tank but read that they really need a long tank to stretch out and swim so I guess you can say that my tangs are costing me.

Plans so far

96x24x24 center overflow now maybe changing to calflo
building stand and canopy 40 to bottom of tank
return pump dart or snapper
closed loop dart
sump 55 gal rubber maid or custom will be bigger
refugium will probably use my current one 55gal
Berlin protein skimmer but will go larger soon
2 72 in actinics
3 400 watt radiums
3 400 watt Icecap ballasts
I think I will be using a Reefkeeper Elite
daily dosing for now and will add other stuff as I go

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[elias123]

yer that sounds good. i wouldnt hesitate on the lighting, most people have over 1 watt per litre ratio, and i think it looks better with bright light

 

[GlassReef]

Great start on a plan! A couple of points:

Three 400W halides should do you fine if you use the right reflectors.

On your overflow - you might want to take a look at the BeanAnimal/Herbie silent overflow design described here

On the return pump - go with the Dart. You can always install a Snapper impeller later, at a very reasonable cost, if you feel the Dart flow is too high.

You might be disappointed with a closed loop driven by a Dart. Closed loops are much more efficient when a pressure rated pump is used.

With an 8ft tank, I'd go for the biggest sump I had room and budget for.