How many watts?

[salt2o]

I have a 120g 2'x2'x4' tank. With 2-metal halides and 2 fl's,

My question is for the MH's, how many watts for 24" deep. i will go with the 14k's.

 

[JR's Reef]

I would go with 250's if it was me.

 

[twisted]

im a bit of a newb, but from what i've read, you want to have 3-6 watts per gallon if its a reef tank

 

[Fishcrazy06]

250w should be fine! Lot of bulb choices as well.

Eric

 

[afboundguy]

im a bit of a newb, but from what i've read, you want to have 3-6 watts per gallon if its a reef tank

This is a very outdated but once good way to measure lighting for a tank. Now there are just too many variables in lighting for that to be an accurate statement. Reflectors make a huge difference as well as the kind of lighting.

I used to have 2x96W power compacts for lighting and switched it 4x54W T5 lighting with great individual reflectors and although I only went up by 24W in lighting I'm guessing I almost doubled my light output. Unfortunately I didn't take PAR readings with the PC's and only took them with the T5's.

 

[AlexStinson]

It mostly depends on what kind of coral you are keeping... hinestly for stony's I might do two 400's if I had a chiller, if I wanted all softies/lps 175-250 is acceptable

 

[ahayes13]

i have a 4 foot 120 and have two 250's and really think they work out great. i also have 4 t5 actinic bulbs.

 

[PLNelson]

I'll stand up behind the 250W bandwagon. You shouldn't have any problem keeping just about anything under that light. I've had 150's over a 24" deep aquarium, and it's not adequate for higher light stuff.

 

[Murfman]

Here is a real story. I just did par on my lumenarc III reflectors, PFO magnetic ballast and Reeflux 12K bulbs. 13" from the bulb was 380 par. My 1 lumatek digital ballast and Reeflux 12K bulb read 1010 at the same 13". I am upgrading to digital on all my ballasts, ASAP!!!

 

[jhsu703]

does anyone know what ballast comes with a current outter orbit. 250watts de

 

[m and m]

250 is your best bet, also with 250w you get the best bulb selection.

 

[RBursek]

I have your tank, I have 2 ,250w MH, 20K, here is a great tread info.Basics of Lighting for Reef Systems - Reef Sanctuary

 

[HAudioSolutions]

Don't know what type of ballast comes with it. I have the same fixture but it's a 6' with 3 150's and eight t-5's. While I'm sure 250's may be better I didn't want to raise the electric bill by too much and the 150's raise the temp enough. I keep plenty of stonies and they are doing and looking great. Just saying 150's aren't just for shrooms even in a 24" tank

 

[tangdiver]

250, but if SPS is the focus, then 400.