Lighting advise needed. 250's or 400's, 60" or 72" reflector

[KingT420]

I have a 120g tank that is 72� x 22� x 18� that I am currently setting up a lighting system for. I have a 2 x 96watt power compact running actinics lights right now and plan on putting some halides in there next.

My questions are:

1. Could I run (2) 175 Watt lights in the outboard position and run a 250W in the middle to take care of delicate corals?? (to save on power cost)

2. Should I run (3) 250watt lights, and forget about saving the $$ with the other two 175’s??

3. Should I ditch all worry of $$ and put (3) 400’s in there instead??

4. Would an 60" reflector be acceptable to run in my tank, I can only fit a 70" in my tank, but can get the smaller reflector $50 cheaper than the 72" one.

I would like to keep all kinds of corals in my tank, LPS, SPS and maybe a clam in the future. Right now I have 200# of LR in it and about 200# of sand, making a 4-5� DSB.

I also have no idea what light range bulbs to buy, I realize now that I could have not used my actinics and just used 20k bulbs, But everyones lighting setups seem so complicated, I am just baffled, Thanks in advance.

:smokin: :smokin:

[North Bay 101]

KingT420,

I have the same tank and this is what I am running. 3 - 250 watt AB bulbs with PFO reflectors perpendicular to the front with 2 - 160 watt VHO actinic. The top of the canopy is open to reduce the amount heat getting to the tank. I wouldn't go with the 3 - 400 watters due to the PG&E bill. If you want to see the setup, PM me and we can set up a time.

[KingT420]

Hi Gordon,

Thanks for the info, I would love to get together, maybe this weekend some time,
I just bought this, Thought it was a great deal.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3212&item=2319013983&rd=1

Now I am going to find some bulbs.

Anyways, I'll PM or call you tomorow and see what you are doing.

Thanks
Tom