How many watts?

[k3v1n]

How many watts is "enough" for a reef tank with sps and soft corals?Right now I have 576 (6-96 watt pc). Planing to install VHO with pc and maybe a 175 halide? Any suggestions?

[SeanT]

The "watts per gallon" measurement is flawed and should not be used as it is easily confusing.
For example, I have 2, 250 watt metal halides over my tank, now that is a TON more lighting if I just hung 5, 100 watt GE house light bulbs.
It is the type of lighting, the size and depth of tank, and the kind of livestock you are wanting to keep that matters.