Lighting requirements for a 72 gal. bow

[ironbird456]

I am trying to find out if I have enough light for my 72 gallon oceanic bowfront. I am keeping the full spectrum of corals. I have two 150 watt halides, and a 36 in 96 watt compact across the top as well. My math says this is about 5.5 watts per gallon. I am more worried about the depth though. My tank is around 23 inches deep. My budget is limited or I would have 250 watt halides on it. Any advice or opinions are appreciated. Thanks!

[Geoff]

do you have a sand bed? i think that is a bit low for clams and high light acros anywhere but the very top of the tank. 23" deep is the problem. that is where most people look at going wth 250's.

which corals are you most interested in?

G~

[ironbird456]

I do have about a 2 inch sand bed. I have a couple of acro's, few leathers, Zoa's, candy cane's, shrooms, sun polyps, and a favia. I have some xenia, and red open brain, and another acro frag on the way. I am intrested in keeping most all corals eventually. I guess I will just have to keep the acro's and others that require alot of light around the upper half of the tank huh?

[Geoff]

i would start them high than if they maintain thier colour you could move them down a bit untill they start to brown a bit. this would be the point that they are to low.

G~

[1spotpooalot]

I have the same set up you do. I need to keep my sps at the top 1/3 of the tank to thrive. but you can get away with it for some time. Ive kept stonies for almost 2 years with this lighting