110G High - Lighting question

[westwind77]

I recently set up my 110G high, replacement for my old 75G that is now in the basement. My question is, do I need to upgrade my lighting as well since it is deeper?
Currently I have an Orbit 48" 4x65W for a total of 260W.
Is this going to be 'ok' for the tank? I have a feeling the question I am going to be asked is what corals do you have/want to keep. Well, currently there are no corals, just LR in the tank. With this set up what kind of corals can I keep and at what depth?
I am not looking to spend a lot of money right now, but if I need/should upgrade my lighting, what should I get and what watts?
Thanks!

 

[mkzimms]

you will definitely need more light on there. i run 8x39w T5HO on just a 40G breeder reef. at your current light setup you will only be able to keep softies, like zoas and mushrooms. if you want to get into the lps you will need to run at least T5HO and for sps on a tank that tall you will need mh to get the depth penetration. judging from the dimensions my fathers 110g high you would need like 2x 250w (or bigger) mh and some 96w vho for your blue spectrum. that tank is like 72" wide, you might even be able to squeeze 3x 250w on there. basically, lighting for the dimensions of that tank are expensive because of the height which is the main reason my pops is still running his as a fish only.

 

[westwind77]

The tank is 48L x 18W x 30H. What would be the cheapest way to light the tank, but provide the light that is needed?
Thank!

 

[wangotango]

Either two 250w metal halides (or even 400w) would work, or a six-bulb Icecap T5ho retrofit with Icecap ballast to overdrive the bulbs.
Either would be a good choice IMO.
-Justin