Lighting Questions?

[bwayne315]

I am looking to get a new aquarium soon. I still haven't decieded what size tank that I am going to get. I am looking close to 120 gal. I am wanting a 30 to 36" long and about 24 to 30" wide and about 24" tall. Anyways what is length that I would need two Metal hallides? Would I need two MH with a 30 to 36" length? I was wanting to get by with 1 250 W MH, and some VHOs. I want to keep some LPS, SPS, and maybe a clam or two.

Thanks
B.

 

[clown2be]

you can use just one, and put your SPS right under it and place your LPS off to the sides to get non direct light from the MH and VHO lighting. . I know a 48" tank would need 2 MH.

 

[bwayne315]

I will build a custom hood so I could also make the light 1' above the water to help distribute the light evenly. Would 1 250 Watt be enough or should I get a 400 Watt?

Thanks

 

[clown2be]

1 250W Dual ended bulb HQI would be great. I just went with the 400W for the over board effect.

 

[bwayne315]

Are the HQI the best ones to get?

 

[clown2be]

I'd say yes. I like the mini PFO's . Check this out. A lot of people don't seem to like the PFO bulb. So go with something like 14k hamilton or phoneix bulb.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_lighting_metal_halide_pfo_hqi_mini_pendant.asp?CartId=
Check this out.

 

[javajaws]

With a MH, you optimally want one every 2 feet. This is because of coverage and also because the MH is a relatively small point light source...the farther away you get the more shadows you will get. If you don't stock all parts of your tank with high light loving corals you can get away with 1 MH over a greater span...like say 36".

A 250w is typical on tanks 24" deep or less.

I use Sunlight Supply ReefOptix III pendants and like them alot. I also use the Phoenix 14k bulbs and find they give off a great blue/white color of light that doesn't require actinic supplementation (as least for my tastes).