Need help picking lights

[cgj]

Im finally moving out of my parents and into my own place, and along with this new room is going to come a bigger and better reef tank. Right now I have a 36gallon bow, with a 30" sunpod, single 250W MH. It works great... but the thing is, this tank is 21 inches tall... the tank im getting is a zero-edge thats 6 feet long, but only 14 inches tall... im fearful that if I get a 48" sunpod with 2 250W MHs, it will be too much for such a small depth... I could also just get the 48" sunpod with 2 150W MH... any opinions on this matter? I do have some stony corals, and some clams that like the current light, Im just afraid ill bake everything else.

 

[spiderwoman]

If your new tank is 6 feet long, that is 72 inches and your 48" sunpod may and most likely will leave big shadow areas on the sides. I'd probably go with 2 or 3 150W fixtures because of the height of the tank.
Experts please step in

 

[cgj]

oops, its actually 66", so 5.5 feet long. Still the 48" sunpod will leave some shadows. I could do a 60", 3x 150w MH...
experts?

 

[ci11337]

no expert, but i'd try the 48'' 2x150 sunpod, if you mount it alittle high the shadows should be minimal. And since it's only 14" tall you can afford to raise it some. If you go with 3 you might roast your other stuff.

 

[cgj]

it has a stand that will mount pretty far above the surface... so i figure 2x 150 watt might work....