Newbie Lighting Question

I just upgraded to a 150 gal - 48x24x31. I currently have 4-54 W Nova T5's. I also acquired 2 175 MH.

Is this sufficient lighting for this deep of a tank? Most corals are softies and LPS with a few SPS.

Thanks for any help.

 

is it 31 tall or deep?? if it is 24 tall yeah it will be ok. this is what I ran for a long time on my 24 inch tall tank till someone gave me a 400 watt ballast

 

It is 31 tall

 

you will be able to keep most types of softies under this light and quite a few lps. It all depends on the reflector and bulb too. If I were you I would look into getting a pair of iwasaki 15k bulbs for those 175's. Out of all of the tests I've seen, these bulbs have the highest par output for 175s.

 

I would try to up grade MH lamps if you want to be effective farther down the tank...250 would work, 400 if you want SPS thoughout the tank...You could keep what you have and place things higher up and slowly work down.. if things are growing slow or browning out you know thats not enough light... Also monti's and seriatoporas will help fill in the zone before your LPS or mushrooms or whatever.

Good luck!

 

Wonderful!!! Thank you so much for the help and the recommendations on the bulbs and corals to fill in the space...

We will have some SPS, but not alot.....we prefer the softies and LPS.

 

I would look at upgrading only when it is time to replace your lights or when you extra cash just laying around (like that ever happens these days). Until then, keep running what you have unless like others said you see any issues with growth.

 

extra cash...recession....saltwater tank......none of those go together very well....LOL!

Thanks.