watts

[bonsai411]

I have a 48 (L) x 19 (w) x 24 (h) tank (90 gal). I am pondering the lighting upgrade I want to get. I am thinking of getting a hooded system with 2 x 110 watt atinic blues VHO , 2 x 110 watt 50/50 VHO, and 2 x 55 PCFs white = 550 watts or 6.1 watts/gal.

In your opinions, is this sufficient light to be flexible enough to house a reef enviorments with corals (soft and hard), clams, and other light driven specimens? I want to be flexible to purchase whatever comes my way without worrying about a lack of light, would you agree this kind of light is good enough?

Thanks,
Mike

[Ninong]

I liked your original idea better. The one where you were planning on going with two 250w metal halides plus some actinic supplementation.

[tonyb]

that lighting may not penetrate well enough to keep corals on the bottom part of the tank. let us know what you choose

[Reefland]

I like the original idea of 250w halides as well based on your statement:

I want to be flexible to purchase whatever comes my way without worrying about a lack of light

Scott Z.

[Chris Lakies]

I think that the two 250 watt DE's would be good. Actinic supplimentation optional. Although I would recommend 2 XM halide 10K and 2 VHO Super Actinic would look great!

[SueT]

I'm with the others here. If you want to keep sps corals and clams of the higher lighting needy species then the 2 250w halides would be best. If you want to buy whatever does come your way then this lighting is all I'd even consider. Lower lighting needy corals, clams can be kept low in the rock structure.