MH for a 3 feeter

[hotlemond]

I am venturing into running MH for a 3 feeter but ain't sure about the no. of lights to get, though I know it largely depends on the types of corals i intend to keep. But I am concern about the spread of the lights is enough for the tank or having too much is an over kill and only adds up to the utility bill.

I would intend to keep 1/3 of the space to SPS, an electric green anemone, my current BTA, and my maxima.

This are the light intensive creatures. I will add 2 tubes of actinic blue as supplement.

My choice of MH is 10-14K kelvin rating.

So, having 2 x 150W or single 250W or single 150W or more..more..more??

tank height will be around 2 feet deep

[dr evil]

Hi bro,

Getting lights for ur 3 ft tank will depend on what will u be keping in future? If u intend to keep sps or clams that are hungry for lights, having a 250watts will be ideal. A 150watts will be good if u intend to keep LPS.

Also look for a MH with a good reflectors"ahem". With a good reflectors, it will produce a better and larger spread. If you worry about high consumtion, not to worry as we dont run longs hours which will not contribute in high electricity bill. U can opt for using eballast which have @ 40% savings compare to magnetic ballast.

my 2 cents

[Clownfish]

i tink 1X250W + FL/PL supplement shld serve u well

[hotlemond]

I spoken with the DE lighting guys, the advice was towards 250W. How is the spread like for a 3 feeter on 250W?

anyone?

[dr evil]

The spread will still depends on the size of reflector and the height that u will be suspending it.

The higher the lights, the wider the spread. But it will loose the intensity.