bulb order?

[jond]

I am about to switch to a canopy w/ 3 24" VHO's. One 50/50, one aqua sun, and one blue actinic. My question is, from front to back what order should I put them in? Does it matter?
Thanks

 

[mithrax]

Nope. The distance from the bulbs to the animals wont be that much different, the amount of light entering your tank would be too much to appreciate any difference in the placement of your bulbs, IMO. Im wearing my glasses before you turn your lights on lol

 

[mr . salty]

I would put the blue in the back(thats where the rock and corals are Right?)Then the 50/50 in the center.And finally the daylight in the front.

 

[jond]

MR . SALTY
The tank is only 12" deep. (front to back) It is a 37gal. tall with the reef built in the middle. We have space in front and in back of the rock. It comes within 8-10" of the surface. I have a brain, star pollip and one anemone. Maybe I should put the blue in the middle? Also, what is your opinion on adjusting them to this light? I am going from 40w to 225w.
Thanks

 

[mr . salty]

Maybe your best bet will be to experiment with the bulb placement.You can switch them around till you get them where you want them. 225watts over a 37 gallon may be overkill. Some corals don't like super bright/intence light.But when you get it going I would wire it so the three bulbs are on three seperate plugs.Then you should have the blue come on first.Then an hour or so later turn on the 50/50.Then during the middle of the day have the daylight bulb come on for 4or5 hours.Then reverse the sequence to shut them down.This can be done with simple appliance timers avalible at your hardware store.Total time the lights should be on per day should be minimal at first to let the tank adjust to this new light. Say about 4-5 hours a day at first.Then over a couple weeks,slowly increase the total time on.This will also help avoid a nasty algae bloom.

 

[jond]

From about everything I read on this BB, you here anywhere from 6-10 wpg as a rule. The 225W will give me 6. Do you really think it is overkill? All opinions welcome.
Thanks