65 Gallon lighting

[juggernaut]

After doing some research on lighting on this forum it's stated 4w/gal is ideal. Now I'm looking at 2 fixtures a 36" fixture w/ 1-250 15k MH and 4-39w T5 bulbs and the other has a 400w 15k MH instead of 250w. If I go with the 250 it will give me 6.25w/gal whereas the 400 would give me 8.55w/gal. Now given the depth of the aquarium is 24" would the 400w be overkill or would the 250 be just right or should I stick with the 4w/gal rule as this would put me into PC's which I'm really trying to avoid any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[joncat24]

I would use a fixture with 2 MH instead of one. I have the odyssea 36" 2x250 fixture on my 65 gallon and love it.
With one mh bulb the bulb will be over the tank brace, which is why I would recommend 2 bulbs.

 

[nycbob]

i think 2x150w mh is more than enough.

 

[rs1831]

I personally would go with 2X250 depending on what you want to put in your tank.

 

[grue]

Originally Posted by rs1831
http:///forum/post/2749741
I personally would go with 2X250 depending on what you want to put in your tank.

If you are keeping hard corals and or anomies 2x250 is perfect! IMHO you can go with 2x400 if your using 20k bulbs only. 20k bulbs need the extra wattage to be driven 24" and still have a par value above 100 at 24 inches. My 2 Cents
Grue

 

[juggernaut]

Originally Posted by Grue
http:///forum/post/2749745

If you are keeping hard corals and or anomies 2x250 is perfect! IMHO you can go with 2x400 if your using 20k bulbs only. 20k bulbs need the extra wattage to be driven 24" and still have a par value above 100 at 24 inches. My 2 Cents
Grue
2x400@20k wouldn't that be a bit much for any light sensitive guys?? I understand that light will bend as it goes through water but that's still 12w/gal I plan on keeping it simple with adding maybe a clam or 2 now and sps wayyyyyy down the road.

 

[juggernaut]

Originally Posted by joncat24
http:///forum/post/2749651
I would use a fixture with 2 MH instead of one. I have the odyssea 36" 2x250 fixture on my 65 gallon and love it.
With one mh bulb the bulb will be over the tank brace, which is why I would recommend 2 bulbs.
Hey Jon I was wondering if you use T5's along with your odyssea and how are the corals under the intensity??

 

[joncat24]

it has actinics built in and the corals are doing great

 

[gatorwpb]

I use 2x150w on my 65 and all my sps are doing great. Amazing colors and growth. You definitely want a dual mh fixture or setup.