What kinds of lighting do I need?

Hi guys and gals,

I have a 90 gal tank which measures 24 inches deep. I am going to put in 2 inches of live sand. I heard that for MH lighting there are different wattages i.e 175, 200 and 400 watts for MH and each is used for different Depths in a Tank. Since I have a 24 inch deep tank and since the sand takes up 2 inches, is my tank dept now 22 inches because of the sand and should I buy MH based on that depth, or should I buy MH based on 24 inches?

I've heard that for 23 inch depths or higher I would need 400 watt MH's, and 22 inches or lower I should buy 200 watt MH's? Can any one give me some help on what types of MH I should buy based on my tank depth? and Why? Thanks.

Tyslin

 

Hey Tyslin,
If you want a metal halide for your tank, I think most people would agree that 2-250 Watt metal Halides will work for just about everything you would want to keep in that 90 tank.

J

 

I tend to buy my lights in order to cater for the delicate/light intense corals that I have or plan on purchasing!!!!
The depth of my tank, is not the important thing to me as you can always move your lights up or down as well as your corals to accommodate for the intense light or lack there of!!!
Think about what types of coral you plan on keeping and go from there!