metal halide question

[michelle13]

I just purchased a 175 watt metal halide for my 29 gal tank. It currently has live rock, an anemone, some spotted mushrooms, and two fish in it. I plan on adding some more mushrooms and some type of corals (haven't decided which ones yet). So I need to know what spectrum of bulb is good? I had thought about a 12,000K? I think it currently has a 5200K light. Also is 5.8 watts per gallon okay? I have heard people say anywhere from 4 to 10 watts per gallon. One more question...how high above the water should the light be? Thanks for any info.
Michelle

 

[michelle13]

Great...thanks for the info!

 

[mal]

I have three 175w 12k bulbs on my tank. I really like the color of them. The color is really a personal decision. I like 10k bulbs too, they are nice a bright, but the 12k's have just a bit more blue to make it look really cool to me.
You have plenty of light, now just find your preference to color.

 

[attml]

I have PC lighting but I have heard many aquarist say that color temperature below 6500K often causes unwanted algae problems! Your tank, your choice but I am a big fan of 10,000K daylights!

 

[michelle13]

I have heard that the temps below 6500k will cause algae too. I think I'm going to go with a 10,000k. I think the 12k might have too much blue in it for my tastes. Thanks for all of the input!