lighting

[wdicky]

i have a 110 glalon tank with corals and fish. what is the best lighting? many recommend 70 watt metal halides with 2 40 w actinic tubes, while other recommend 2 triton and 2 blue moon tubes. now i'm using 1 daylight, 1 triton, 1 blue moon, and 1 actinic..all 40w each, but i still don't reach what i expected. i think it don't look very good...oh yes, i have my tank 6 months and i use a trickle filter, thanks for any help

 

[tammi]

I have absolutely no experience with this but my instinct as a scuba diver is to tell you that since not as much sunlight exists underwater, your tank probably should appear "darker" than you'd imagine since we are trying to imitate the natural habitat of the animals we are trying to enjoy. Just a thought.

 

[montero]

I would try a couple of 250W metal halides, but do shop around, I installed some 250W retro fits for $179 each. Also, remember the heat factor when installing MH. Since I did not have the money for a chiller, I had to install cooling fans that are ducted out my wall. Your corals will love the light, your fish probably will too, but the intensity is not required for them.