How To Light An 96x24x24 Tank

[MIOR6485]

I was wondering if anyone out there has any advice on lighting the specified tank size. My plans are to have only soft corals. I currently have 3 400w max ballasts and several (4) 55w power compacts. This set up will be inwall so I will be going pendent. What reflactors? wattage combination etc. thanks ahead for any input.

LM

[David Grigor]

You could easily light it with 3 MH as long as you use spiderlight type reflectors.

I had 2X400W on a 6' tank and looked great. I since added a third but I also have plans in the making for a 8' tank and confident based on my past to be able to use the same 3 MH.

Since tank is softies, 3X175 or 3X250 would probably be the most economical in the long run if you want to save electricity but also means you have to spend more money on hardware.....

[MIOR6485]

What other hardware will I need? Can't I use 250w MH bulbs on 400W ballasts?
thanks
LM

[Yellotang]

No you can't use 250's on 400 ballasts.

[David Grigor]

To the best of my knowledge all MH ballasts and bulbs are wattage specific unless some late breaking technology has emerged.........