Hex Tank Lighting question?

[Scuba_Dave]

I have a 60g hex tank that at present is FO. We had a 30g for 1.5 years, then recd this from neighbor (FREE!!) w/Amiracle Wet/dry filter. We will be moving in 3-6 months & at that time I want to setup w/LR & DSB, take out BIO balls, add 30g as refugium. Add anemone for clown fish, maybe some other corals. I am looking at Pendant MH (250 watt) after moving. My question is, 175 is good up to 24", it will be about 24" to bottom of tank w/4-5" DSB. Should I go with 175 or 250?? I was looking at 10k.
I assume only the depth of the water is the issue, and not how high over the tank you mount the light? I only plan on having the pendant about 6-12" above tank - depending upon canopy I build. Long range is to setup a new tank (wife says 90g, I say 500g) at the new house. Thanks

[McSierra]

I have a 44g Hex myself and so have a Ballast that can power a 175w or a 150w MH and will prob go with the 175w..

I too am looking into bulbs and what I should go with..

So far the winner for Actinic light is the 75 Watt VHO by URI, I will prob have two of them when all is said and done..

[RooFish]

The 175 would be enough, and you'd be fine. BUT the 250 would get better coral growth, and allow for more flexibility in the future. With a tank that tall, there will be some darker areas at the bottom, but you can just put lower light corals if you go with 175.

I'd probably go with the 250 for extra versitility and peace of mind.

10k is nice looking, but supposedly 65s get better growth. Personally I use 10k, since its for my enjoyment.

[lllosingit]

There is another thread/poll going on the same subject except his is a 44.
Here's what I can add.
I have a 38 gallon hex that is 24" deep and has about a 3-4" sand bed, I have a 175 watt 10k pendant set about 2'' above the water.
Its bright at the top and some what dim near the bottom.
I can see some corals doing ok at the bottom but they would have to like low light.
To be honest its setup as a Mantis tank right now and does not have corals, but I have 3x175 watt 10K setup over my 125 and although the corals do ok I would love to try a 250.
I guess it will really depend on the corals you want to keep.

[Scuba_Dave]

Thanks, I think I am going to go with the 250. There is a large coral (dead) that I recd w/Tank that will provide "shade" at bottom of tank. I think the 250 will give me more options for coral selection.