how much light

nick063 · 02/01/2006, 10:23 AM

Currently i am running a 60" 96Wx2, 65Wx2 jebo lighting system but i am thinking of upgrading to metal halide's but i was wondering how much i should purchase for a 100 gallon tank thats 5 ft long, 18.5 in wide and 22 in deep? like 3 150 watts or 2 175? what would be the best combination, i am looking to start a reef system with so corals, right now all i have is live rock, but i am looking to upgrade, just wanted to here some opinions, thanks!

Avi · 02/01/2006, 11:01 AM

For a 60-inch tank that's 22 inches deep, you could most likely be satisfied with the results that you'd get with three 175-watt metal halide bulbs (plus actinic supplementation.) That's premised on the idea that you intend to keep coral that isn't particularly light demanding. I wouldn't go with the 150's. I do think a still better alternative would be three 250-watt metal halides. That would give you even better growth and probably color of even soft coral like zoanthids, pagodas and leathers.

nick063 · 02/01/2006, 12:17 PM

what about 2 400 watts?

Therbligs · 02/01/2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nick063
what about 2 400 watts?

Rule of thumb for MH's is 2ft max coverage. In your case (5 ft) you would need 3 MH's. 150HQI's with actinics would be the way to go.

TippyToeX · 02/01/2006, 01:39 PM

What kind of coral will you be keeping? Can't recommend how many watts of MH without knowing that IME.

02/01/2006, 10:23 AM	#1
nick063 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ocala, Florida Posts: 246	how much light Currently i am running a 60" 96Wx2, 65Wx2 jebo lighting system but i am thinking of upgrading to metal halide's but i was wondering how much i should purchase for a 100 gallon tank thats 5 ft long, 18.5 in wide and 22 in deep? like 3 150 watts or 2 175? what would be the best combination, i am looking to start a reef system with so corals, right now all i have is live rock, but i am looking to upgrade, just wanted to here some opinions, thanks!

02/01/2006, 11:01 AM	#2
Avi Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 7,327	For a 60-inch tank that's 22 inches deep, you could most likely be satisfied with the results that you'd get with three 175-watt metal halide bulbs (plus actinic supplementation.) That's premised on the idea that you intend to keep coral that isn't particularly light demanding. I wouldn't go with the 150's. I do think a still better alternative would be three 250-watt metal halides. That would give you even better growth and probably color of even soft coral like zoanthids, pagodas and leathers. __________________ I'd keep the whole ocean if my den were big enough Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef with 210 lbs. of live rock, Aqua-C EV180 Skimmer, Aquactinic double 250W MH with blue plus t5 support; 58 gallon freshwater planted tank using CO2 and T5s; 30-gallon cube with a few fancy goldfish; and a 110 gallon FOWLR

02/01/2006, 01:39 PM	#5
TippyToeX Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 10,711	What kind of coral will you be keeping? Can't recommend how many watts of MH without knowing that IME. __________________ -Amy-

02/01/2006, 12:17 PM	#3
nick063 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ocala, Florida Posts: 246	what about 2 400 watts?