120g reef mix, what's the best lighting for it?

[moe]

I am starting up a 120g tank. Should have rock and sand by this weekend and all that's left is the lighting. I was wondering if I could get others opinions on what lighting system would be the best. I currently have a MH system in my 37g and was thinking about doing the same thing to this tank. I need to get something by this following weekend so any advice or recommendations are helpful. Is a 250w good enough of should i be using a 400w? and is is better to use a dual balis?

[Goofball310]

couple of quick ques.

is the tank a standard 120, 120 tall, 120 shallow, etc.?

what to you plan on keeping in the tank (lps, sps, clams)?

[alton]

250MH are fine. Individual ballast are preferred, better to lose one than both.

[coraline79]

I currently run 2 175watt MH's on my 125(18x21x72). I also run t5ho actinic

[msmith619]

The lighting depends on the tank dimensions. If it is less than 24" in height, I have been told the T5 flourescent are fine. If the tank is taller, you will need MH. Also, a good rule of thumb is 4-5 watts per gallon. So, a 125 gallon aquarium should have at least 600-725 watts of lighting to grow corals, less if it is fish with live rock only.
Mike

[Joseph]

I'll sell you 2 660 Ice Cap Lamp drivers with all the works for cheap.
Worked great on my 125, just upgraded tho

[Gseclipse02]

The lighting depends on the tank dimensions. If it is less than 24" in height, I have been told the T5 flourescent are fine. If the tank is taller, you will need MH. Also, a good rule of thumb is 4-5 watts per gallon. So, a 125 gallon aquarium should have at least 600-725 watts of lighting to grow corals, less if it is fish with live rock only.
Mike


you cant really do that ... if you use LED's or T5's the watts they use is a lot less ....

[Gseclipse02]

http://maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=47618&highlight=watts+gallon

heres a thread i made

[Mr Cob]

I had a 120 (still have it, it's for sale) with 2 x 250w MH and 2 110w VHO actinic bulbs. My tank is 48" x 24" x 24" and I could keep anything I wanted with 0 heat issues. 400w MH and you will have heat issues.

[msmith619]

I have a 75 gallon with four 65 watt T5 bulbs, 2 actinic, 2 white. My tank is only 20 inches tall and I have been successfull with leather corals and BT anemonies, infact, my anemone periodically clones and seems to be thriving. The BTA moved around for a few days and settled at the bottom of the tank partially below a ledge.
I am just now trying Zoas, Pallies, and polyps but, if the anemonie is doing well, those should get adequate lighting.
I think tank depth is very important to lighting issues and tall tanks do not get enought light penetration for the lower levels.
Mike