What size is your tank? On average you need 1 Mh light for every 2 feet of tank. I.e. If your tank is a 55 gallon standard, that would be 48 inches long equaling 2 mh lights. Get it?
The old way of measuring lights needed is “watts per gallon“. Watts per gallon is any where from 4-7 watts per gallon.
(YES its an old way to measure, but a good way to get your feet wet with the lights needed, Us older members know its old, knock it off and stop trying to intimidate new people. )
As a new member to this hobby watts per gallon is a “rule of thumb” for you to use.
If I get into explaining the par rating and k rating and everything else to figure out how many watts you need you run away. Stick to watts per gallon for now and read up on the lighting later on when your bored.
The single ended bulbs don’t need a uv glass shield other then to protect from water splashing.
The D.E have no uv blocker and need a glass shield. I use both and noticed (on my tanks) I get a better spread with the single end/ mogul bulb.
I like the added color of the act 3 lights and moon lights all custom built into my hoods.
I have used the coralife pro lights before. They have since been retired to the frag tank down stairs.
