Lighting help for 65 gallon tank

[rickyh24]

I need some lighting advice for a 65 reef I'm about to setup. I used to have a 50 reef until I moved and sold it. The only thing I kept was the lighting system.
here is a pic
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3...00625-1941.jpg
Its 3 24 inch vho strips. I'm pretty sure the total wattage is only 225 watts. I used to have good luck with my Carpet Anemone and most soft corals. The more I read though it seems like this is not enough lighting for a carpet.
Here is a pic of my old tank running the same system
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3...4/IMAG0093.jpg
My Carpet seemed to always do great. So I guess I have three questions
What can I house in this tank with this current setup? and is there anyway to incorporate MH's into this setup eventually? and am I going to run into problems because this 65 is a little bit taller than my 50 was?
I spent a lot of money on this canopy years back and would like to use it going forward. Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[trouble93]

If all you plan to keep is soft coral this will do...With your setup now you will get a little more then 3watt per gal. 3.4 watts to be exact not enough light to do SPS' though. As far as adding MH down the line you could rewire your VHO's using only two tubes and run your MH 150 or 175 watt up the middle.

 

[rickyh24]

Originally Posted by trouble93
http:///forum/post/3282093
If all you plan to keep is soft coral this will do...With your setup now you will get a little more then 3watt per gal. 3.4 watts to be exact not enough light to do SPS' though. As far as adding MH down the line you could rewire your VHO's using only two tubes and run your MH 150 or 175 watt up the middle.
What about LPS? Stuff like Disc corals. Will they be able to survive down on the sand bed in a 65 with this lighting?

 

[trouble93]

Some will be fine, others it won't be enough. The best way to do that is not to buy pieces on a whim. Check each piece and make sure you know what each ones lighting needs are. Some you may have to put up in the rock work instead of on the sand.