need help with lighting for new tank.

[mlm]

I am planning on getting a 120 gal dimensions 4 ft long X 2 ft front to back X 2 feet tall. Currenttly I have 3 110 watt VHO and 2 55 watt Pc on my current 55 gallon which is only 18 or 19 inches tall. I was going to just add another VHO ballast with four more 48 inch bulbs but then started to think that the tank may be to tall for VHO and MH may be a better option. I really do not know much about MH other than it makes the water look cool and it gets very hot. I keep hearing about this UV light that they produce and how it burns corals. I am not planning on keeping any SPS so I was just wondering if I really need the MH or should I just stick with the VHO/PC lighting. I am planning on keeping mostly LPS and a few softies.

 

[saltyrich]

I believe that you answered your own question. If you are NOT going to have any sps, there is no real advantage, IMO, to get MH. The vho/pc combo will work fine. In fact I am keeping some sps in my 30 gallon under vhos and they are thriving. I think that your lps and softies may be a little more comfortable, but I'm only basing my opinion on my experience with vho and pc and the livestock I've been able to keep under those lighting conditions. Good luck.

 

[slick]

I think that you should try MH's If you add more VHO's to your existing set up you will have a lot of bulbs under your hood. If you are really concerned with heat get a couple of 175w and put on a fan. Like saltyrich said this is jmo

 

[jjboods]

I would say get the MH's. I made the mistake of getting PC's. Then I decided I wanted SPS, LPS, Clams, etc. Then I bought my MH's and the PC's are sitting in the basement. Think about the future and flexibility. And if you never add anything that truly needs the MH's...at least you get that cool shimmer effect!!!