Lighting my new 180G reef

[itnerd]

My LFS told me that on my soon to be delivered 180G reef tank would require 4.5 watts per gallon to keep all corals. If I run 3 HQI double ended 10k MH mini pendants and 2 VHO's. That would get me @4.6 Watts per Gallon.
If I can avoid running 250W MH's I'd like to. If for no other reason than to eliminate heat and utility costs.
I keep reading that a tank with a 24" depth , it is best to use 250W MH's.....any thoughts would be great.

Also.....I plan on using a 4"-6"dsb .....does this help my cause any??

[PerryinCA]

Well, for a tank that size I would recommend at least 250w lamps if you plan on keeping any SPS, or light needy clams. However, having a great reef with (3) 150hqi is possible. The 150w are nice lamps. In fact, I recently got one of the new 150w Icecap ballasts, and am really impressed with the setup. The little 150 watters are really pretty bright.

The best way to decide lighting is to first choose which type of inhabitants you wish to have, and work from there. If you want more light demanding things, you don't have much choice other than to get the larger wattage.

-Perry

[Iron Crab]

I'm running only VHO. Five 140 watters on two IC 660 ballasts

sps and clams are not really on my wish list at the moment.
You might want to check out the lighting used on the showtank at www.championlighting.com I think they have a 180 using only VHO.
Also, www.saltwaterheaven.com Ron has a 750 running with VHO. I have seen this tank in person and I can't put in words how great it is.
Like Perry said. It depends on what you're going to keep.