Could I use my 36" t5 along with 2 MH on either side

Ok, I have a 36" T5HO (4 bulbs)on my current tank. I am building up a 72" 150 tank. I was wondering if I could use my current fixture in the middle of the tank with actinics in it and run two metal halides on either side of it. If so what wattage would I be looking at? Just in the beginning stages here trying to answer some questions. Thanks.

 

I'd probably run them 2 long front and back so the entire length of the tank is covered and do MH in the center, maybe 2x250w with a good reflector

 

Ok, yeah I was trying to utilize my current fixture though.

 

Anything is possible. I think it would just come down to where you locate the corals so that they get the proper amount of light and spectrum. As far as wattage goes I cant answer that. You could always just give it a try for a while and see what happens, if it works out..great; if not then you would need to change it.

 

well, I figure that either light will bleed off to the sides a bit so I don't think with all this light there would be anything considered low light

 

I suppose a U-shaped (or island) shaped rockwork would be beneficial here.

 

sorry was thinking a 36" retro kit, I'd probably just do a 2x250mh 15k setup and use the t5's on something else, worst case a nice frag tank or fuge light

 

Yeah, but I want to have actinics.

 

sure your plan might work how deep is the tank going to be most likely 250a will work

 

The tank is 29" deep. I already have 2 400w retro kits.