MH Lighting for 6x2x2

[Davoaldo]

I am interested in getting some MH light and wanted some suggestions and advice.

Which bulb type should I get single ended or double ended?

I won't be hanging the lights, so it will probably be on a stand around 8inches from the water.
Any danger in this? Can the tank withhold the weight?
I currently have 12 T5 bulbs standing ontop of the tank does MH fittings weight alot more?

Lastly should I get 150w or 250w, my preference would be brighter the better but since I am placing it so close to the water will 250w be over kill for the corals?

I have a mix reef tank with corals that require no light to max light.

Thanks

 

[Roy G. Biv]

My suggestion is 250W double ended. If you have an open top then you may want that extra piece of glass that DE's require to prevent splashes on the bulbs.

 

[crvz]

and to protect the inhabitants from UV rays, which is as critical as splashes from the water if you go with double ended. I'd get 250W setups as well, though I dont have an opinion on single/double ended, and I don't think they'd be heavier than 12 T5 bulbs.

 

[abulgin]

You need 3 bulbs, as each bulb has a spread of about 2". I'll bet you could get by with 150W bulbs on a 24" deep tank, although you'd definitely be set with 250W bulbs.

I run 2x250W MHs in a fixture that sits on my tank (90 gallon) about 7" or 8" off the surface of the water, and it's not overkill at all.