Lighting for a 157 gallon reef tank

[Blaino]

I have a 157 gallon tank (35"H X 24"W X 48"L) I'd like to grow LPS and SPS corals. Any suggestions on relatively affordable lighting?

 

[SlipperyWhipple]

How affordable are we talking? That's a good size tank and you'll need some really good quality lights to grow SPS successfully.

 

[Hemmdog]

At 35 high you will want to think about metal halides. Otherwise you are going to spend a small fortune on leds to penetrate that deep at adequate par levels for sps & lps.

 

[Blaino]

How affordable are we talking? That's a good size tank and you'll need some really good quality lights to grow SPS successfully.

I guess I’m looking for suggestions as to the best value.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

Sigh.. oh great, a lighting debate!!

Two 250 watt halides with 20k radium bulbs. T5's on both sides if you want to alter the color a little. awesome penetration, PERFECT spectrum, and no fiddling with any settings. Heat should not be a problem unless you live in a warm location.

 

[Bpb]

Yeah at 35” deep with 24” depth a pair of 400 watt halides may be necessary. The lumenbright reflectors are super deep and punch ridiculous well. I’m able to get 400+ par at 24” depth and 12” over the water with 250 watt bulbs