ugh, confused on lighting
 

I have a 46 bow. 2x96 CF on there right now. I want to upgrade to halides.

I've been told if i do 2x150's (phoenix 14k) i would still be limited to SPS in the upper part of the tank. So to put a clam (or any high light sps for that matter) on the sandbed i'd need the 2x250's.

Cost not being a factor, it seems like a lot of light for the 46. I don't want to scorch everything.

anyone have any opinions to share??

How tall is tank?

150's are good up to about 20" depth
250's up to about 24" depth
400s up to about 30" depth

Other than coral selection, which you already mentioned, tank height is the other major factor that really determines what type of lights you'll need for the corals you have in mind. So, what are the tank dimensions?

This, IMO, is one of the major issues with running halides on smaller, standard tanks. Most are approximately 24" h which requires a stronger light for SPS in the lower regions, but you don't really get to utilize that light because you don't need the spread it can provide. So, you end up trying to pack more fixtures into an already limited space to try and get an even, intense light to most of the tank.

Personally, I have come to the conclusion that T5s are just an overall better option here. I'm just guessing, but if that's a 3' long tank you've got there, you could probably fit 6 - 39w T5s in there with good individual reflectors? You'll have a good spread of light at half the wattage of those 2-250s, you'll be able to change the appearance around much easier (color), and you should still have the intensity for SPS in most parts of the tank.

The tank is 20" High. (36w x 20h x 16.25d) I have about 2 inches of sand. about 70lbs of LR. canister filter, skimmer and a couple extra powerheads.

So would the 2x150's should be good for me? I have a couple LPS some shrooms and a gbta. I think about the only thing i really want to add is a clam and a couple sps.

I love the tank but the size seems so awkward for lighting! The T5 fixtures i've found are all about 15" wide which makes it hard to sit on the tank since its a bow.


thanks for all the input so far!

With those demensions i would say the 150's are perfect, 250w would be overkill and add to much heat to a tank that size.