Lighting/ canopy help

[Byrd]

so I'm still in the process of setting up my first tank and now my new question is lighting height. The tank is a 72x30x30 and the lighting is 3 photon v2 24s and the intent is for fish and beginner corals but I want the option to go more advanced if I ever decide to. Any advice?

 

[Byrd]

Here is my aquascape setup, if this helps

 

[Billdogg]

You may find that even with 3 of them that your par levels from mid-tank to the sandbed are a little on the low side for many SPS. I used a pair of AI Sol blues on my 120 (similar wattage I think?) and although things did ok - even a maxima clam on the sand, When I upgraded to a pair of Radion XR30 G4 pros the difference was noticeable. With the Sol's I was getting 100 or so par on the bottom. Now, with the Radions (after a lengthy acclimation period) the par level is 250ish on the sand. The clam, especially, loves the extra light.

To get the spread you will need, I am guessing that they will have to be 12-14" above the water. That's ok - it will help protect them from salt spray, and allows for easy access without having to move them.

hth