lighting amounts

[rikr88]

Could someone please answer a question for me please. I am looking thru the corals and
I see different light ratings. about how much light is considered medium lighting, and how much is strong lighting?? I know these are usually in watts, but how much is how much
THANKS

 

[ichiban]

3-5 watts / gallon 7 watts if the thak is deeper than 24ches

 

[footbag]

The watts per gallon formula isn't as simple as it seems. Normal output flourescents are very low light. PC's and VHO's would be medium. And Metal Halides would be high. That said, you would need more WPG of NO's then PC's or VHO's, and more WPG of PC's or VHO's then MH's.
I would reccomend MH's. That way you can keep all corals. If your tank is deeper then 24" you will want a 400w MH. 18" or more 250w MH's. Under 18" 175's will do. You can get away with less, but this setup will give the best growth.