Hey guys,
I'm sure this same question has been asked a 1000 times before but I'm a bit anal about things and want this done right the 1st time.My 130 is like 22 " deep at water level.The canopy I got with it had 3 metal hallides spaced across the top and 2 60' HO lights on either side.I have the outlets for 2 more ho lights and the ballast.Here is my query.I will keep the metal halides in case I decide to really go into this "big time".If I were to buy the VHO's in 140 watt and add the 2 other ones do you think it would be enough lighting to start out my reef tank with?I will probably start out with mostly softieswith possibly a few sps high in the tank.Thinking of actually making 2 distinctly different live rock reefs on each side with mid-water bridging with swim-thrus in middle.I have seen a cpl tanks set up like this that really looked awesome.I am mounting all the canopy hardware back on after refinishing the outside and lining the inside with formica for splash protection.Would appreciate your comments good or bad on the lighting and any recomendations you can give me....................Dutch ps if i do the 140 watt 60' VHO bulbs im looking at around 460 watts total in just ho bulbs.
I'm sure this same question has been asked a 1000 times before but I'm a bit anal about things and want this done right the 1st time.My 130 is like 22 " deep at water level.The canopy I got with it had 3 metal hallides spaced across the top and 2 60' HO lights on either side.I have the outlets for 2 more ho lights and the ballast.Here is my query.I will keep the metal halides in case I decide to really go into this "big time".If I were to buy the VHO's in 140 watt and add the 2 other ones do you think it would be enough lighting to start out my reef tank with?I will probably start out with mostly softieswith possibly a few sps high in the tank.Thinking of actually making 2 distinctly different live rock reefs on each side with mid-water bridging with swim-thrus in middle.I have seen a cpl tanks set up like this that really looked awesome.I am mounting all the canopy hardware back on after refinishing the outside and lining the inside with formica for splash protection.Would appreciate your comments good or bad on the lighting and any recomendations you can give me....................Dutch ps if i do the 140 watt 60' VHO bulbs im looking at around 460 watts total in just ho bulbs.