lighting for a 320 gal

[grumpy]

I recently purchased a used 320 gallon aquarium fully loaded . I want to have it stocked with both sps's and lps's. I was thinkink about using 2- 250 halides on the sides and 1-400 inthe middle. Or maybe just going with 2-400's off centered to overlap one another. Opinions anyone? Oh yeah the tank is 84x30x30.
Thanx :D

 

[pattir7]

I think I'd go with the 2 250w and 1 400w in center. Tank is pretty long... ;) Congrats on your new setup!

 

[Bifferwine]

I would go with 3 or 4 MH bulbs for a tank that size. The light will usually spread out about 1 foot from the bulb, so ideally you'd have them placed every 2 feet.

 

[BL1]

There was a similar question posted a few days ago. If you're doing MH you'll probably be better off doing 175W SE bulbs. They have better output then most 250w, and are comparable to 400w PAR numbers. Plus you'll be saving extra money on your energy bill.

 

[grumpy]

After having all weekend to think about it I'm now leaning more towards 4-250s. How does that sound?

 

[Bifferwine]

I think that'd be fine. Higher light animals will need to be put closer to the top. I had a 4x250 watt MH w/ T5 system over my old 240.