125 Tank Build

[iroc]

On a 72" long 125g Tank what would be the optimum lighting for some soft coral and anenome. I am shying away from metal halides at this point. What do everyone think?

[DarthOcellaris]

soft corals and anemones require TOTALY different amounts of light.

If your tank is like mine, it's about 21 inches deep, right? you'll need something to penetrate that water. You should get at least 150 - 250 watts of light for the anem. You could get one 250 watt bulb and put it on the left or right side and the anem should stay over there assuming it's happy. The rest of the tank can be more dimly lit for soft corals.

how many anems are you planning long term? What about your substrate? Sand, bare bottom?

[motorslave]

You could un 175 MH and strategically place softies in less lit areas. Why are you shying away fom MH? Its the best choice if you want an anemone.

[aquawolf]

I would also look for a fixture or DIY with at least 3 175 watt MH and then some kind of actinic supplementation. The anemone will climb up higher on the rock to get the stronger light and the softies will not get burned at low and mid tank levels.

Good luck with your set up.

[Loverotties]

I agree with Aquawolf unless you want 3 200w Mh.

[dobejazz]

You can look into T-5's as well