Yeah, I know, another lighting question
I've been researching this for awhile and my brain is now on overload - I think that I might have it narrowed down but I could use some advice because switching to MH will cost around $400 and I'm not sure it's worth it...
My tank specs:
40 gal stretch hex: 20" deep, 30" wide (at the points)
current lighting is a coralife double pc hood with 2X 65w bulbs (10K and actinic)
I have lps, softies, mushrooms and zoos -- no sps
I need to replace the pc bulbs so I started thinking about switching the lighting to MH because I have a couple of issues with the current set-Up.
1- the current lights are not reaching to bottom of the tank very well
2- lousy color -the corals are looking brown and a little washed out.
Would a 20k, 150w de bulb in a pendant give me better penetration and better color? I'd rather not have to add actinic bulbs as well. I know the 20k bulbs are not as bright as the 10k - would the 150w, 20k be enough light for my set up?
I could go with 250w but I don't want to fry my corals, and raising the pendant would make sitting near the tank a pita with the glare on the eyes.
Any advice appreciated
Thanks, Cherry
