lighting question please help

[mumbulog]

I have a 24 inch tall x 30 inch long x 12 inch wide tank with the center brace.
I am going to buy a hqi retro and should I do with
2 x 150
or
2 x 250
I want to be able to keep a wide assortment of corals and want to get the best lighting, I am going with 2 because I do not want the look of the brace shadow.
Thankyou
Gordon

 

[fishfreak1242]

Based on the depth of your tank, I would go with 2x250w. Also, metal halides release a great amount of heat, so get some cooling fans or a chiller if you have to.

 

[mojo46825]

I would go with the 2x 150's you will be able to keep whatever you want.

 

[veni vidi vici]

You could probably get away with 1x250w IMO

 

[mumbulog]

with the 1x 250 I would have the shadow from the center brace

 

[michaeltx]

I would go with the 2 150's your going to get a heat issue and a placement issue because instead of a shadow your going to have an area that is going to have more light than the rest of the tank. if you go the 2-250's your going to have an equivalent of 500 watts of MH in small area. your also going to have a heat issue so be prepared for that. each MH light will cover a 12x12 square of tank.
HTH and IMO
Mike