125-gal lighting

[codyren]

I have a 125 gal long measurements are as follows: 72" L x 18" W x 32" H.....i am planning on going with a retrofit kit made up of 4-96watt actinics and 3 metal halides........i like more of the blue tint to a tank so i have 2 questions.
1.) if i want to grow everything (all corals, clam, and fish) should i go with 250watt metal halides or 150??
2.) the light spectrum whether i go 14,000k or 20,000k wont affect the livestock will it? the MH's and actinics are still pushing the wattage right?

[Fat Tony]

I would suggest 250's.. the biggest decision is going to be which reflector are you going to use? That will also help determine what bulb you will want and what bulb style to use. It will also then help with what ballast will work best with that bulb

are you sure on those tank dimensions.. my 135 isn't that tall..and it's the same footprint.

[codyren]

haha sorry i had the numbers accidentally switched around its 23 inches tall, not 32. i cant decide if i want to do a retrofit kit or just a whole system? i appreciate the help...so you dont think 250 will bake everything too much?

[collin]

most people use 250 from waht i hear i use t5 and fat tony will help you as much as possible

[jenglish]

retrofit kits offer some advantages of getting to add exactly what you want, if you are going to have some sort of hood.

I may look at T5HO for longer lasting actinics or VHO for a color that can't be beaten by anything IMO.

[schmnr]

I use 250's on my 125 and it doent bake anything, if the temp starts getting a little high just add some fans.

[Fat Tony]

nope.. not too much especially for SPS

[Loverotties]

3 250s!

[codyren]

perfect i appreciate all the help!! 3-250's it is plus some actinics!!