Metal Halide Bulb Choice

Sorry for all the questions lately but I'm interested in setting up Metal Halide bulbs for my tank. Here's the problem I don't have any idea what bulbs are the best one's to choose. I also don't know how many watts I should have on my 72 gallon. I was going to set up a 250 MH and 2 100 MH's but I dont know if it's a good idea. Should I just set up one 400 MH? I'm really trying to find my way in the dark right now. So any help is appreciated.

 

What kind of coral are you going to keep and how wide is your tank? if you're going to keep SPS's and clams I'd go with at least 2 250 watt and maybe even 2 400 watt. If you're not going to keep more light demanding corals you could get by with 175's...

 

It depends on the depth of the tank. 150w= up to 20", 250w= up to 24" and 400w= 24" and deeper. If you have a center brace, you cant get one 400w. Luna

 

I would go with 2X 250W MH and T5 or VHO for actinics. Bulbs really differ dependent on the ballast they are run on.
If you really want to do some reading on the subject check out Sanjay's Lighting site

J

 

I have a center brace and got 1 400w it leaves a slight shadow but its not bad. Sorry for stealing the thread but do you think I could take out the center brace. I got a 90 gal. with 3/4 inch thick glass and the top plastic slides off with easy even filled with water? Would it hurt?

 

It would be easier to get a second MH. you could replace the center brace with a glass on. I think there is a thread here on doing that Search results

 

I never felt comfortable taking out the center brace, its there for a reason. Keep in mind that 1 gal of SW is equal to 8lbs, so do the math, 90 x 8 = 720 lbs of water of pressure. Luna

 

To remove the center brace and make it even better just get a length of acrylic and a cabinet type clamp snug the clamp on the tank cut the brace leaving a 1ich on each end of the tanks rim and then take 4. 316 S.S Bolts and washers and nut then just put the acrylic on the drill the holes and insert the bolts and tighten the nuts and release the clamp , You are Done . Since the advent of M/H's I have repaired a many melted center brace like this.
I cut a square out of a oceanic last yr to open the area up to get at corals and more light worked great thinking about doing this one at home when and if I pull it down ? I took a diamond circle saw blade and a saw and cut a inner square out of the bid sheet and left a 1 inch wide ring ..

 

You definitely do not want to remove the brace without replacing it with another form of bracing alternative or you run the risk of damage to your tank.
As for the lighting question, I would go with the 250 halides as most marine animals will be able to maintained successfully for a long time under those lighting intensities, and this includes corals and Tridacna Clams!!!!

 

Thanks for all the info / suggestions everyone
Is there any brand recommendation for the company I purchase my bulbs from?