Light question

[BBB]

I am new to this forum.

I am setting up my 65 gal reef again (it has been three years since it was last set-up). My lighting was 1 96 watt PC 6700k, 1 96 watt PC actinic and 1 20 watt NO actinic (for moring and evening). I like the "shimmer" of the metal halide and I am thinking about adding 1 metal halide to the mix. How does 1 175 watt 10000k Metal halide, 1 96 watt PC actinic and 1 20 watt NO actinic (for morning and evening) sound? Is that enough wattage and the correct spectrum for a soft coral reef tank of my size?

65 gal tank, "mud" filter sump, 300 watt Azzo heater and a Little giant 3mdqxsc pump.

Great forum!

[Rick O]

I don't know what the dimensions are for a 65 gal but you're probably going to need 2 MH to cover a 65 gal. And I would go with 250 watt. If you get the 10,000k you may not need any supplemental actinics.

JMO, FWIW

[Brooke]

I agree with Rick. 2- 250 watters might be all that you need. You could also try one 250w in between the two PC's...but then the PC's would need to have the same color bulb. If you like MH, then I'd go with a dual 250 watt ballast and either 10k bulbs or 65k with actinic supplementation.

HTH-
Brooke

[Doug1]

WELCOME to THEREEFTANK
I second the dual 250, that way if you want more demanding corals you wont have to switch later

[reefguy]

well, i prefer a bluer tank and i would say that if you are like me and prefer a bluer tank, you should keep the actinics. 2-250w halides will be fine, but even with 10000 or 12000K bulbs, i really like the way the additional actinic supplementation highlights coral colors. just my iddy bitty two cents...

[Jimbo]

Yes I have to agree 2 250 watters would be good for your tank. You could use a 6500k iwasaki bulbs, they are cheap. Was just looking at hellolights.com's website and they have a new bulb it is a Xanium H2 available in 10,000k and 15,000k for $65. Could not find any info on this bulb though. I have 1 400 watt 6500k bulb over my tank and it definity needs more blue in my opinion. I have 1 40 watt actinic and will be adding a couple more.

Hope this helps!

[Junkzoo]

ditto on the 2 MH's,,,,if you can , go that route and you won't have to worry about "moving" up again,,,,i myself went from 160 watts of normal flo's to 2 -400W 10k MH's and 4 -55watt PC actinics(1000W +) on my 75,,,,glad i did, and even gladder that i won't be adding any light on the tank . and BTW,,,,WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!! glad to have you aboard!!!

[BBB]

Thanks for all the input. I really appreciate that.

OK, how about this. 2 250 watt 10k Metal halide, 1 96 watt PC actinic and the 20 watt NO actinic for morning and evening? It seems like a lot of watts for the tank. I would be burning my corals will I?

[Rick O]

That sounds good. You would need to start off with a reduced photo period so that the corals could acclimate to the new lights. Maybe 6 hours/day for the first week then bump it up 30 minutes each week til you reach the desired time (my MH are on for 10 hrs/day).