lighting question: is a current USA a good choice for a 36x20x22 tall tank

[BobinCovington]

I have Lighting questions of course...

On an elos 36 x 20 x 22h tank, my leading choice is a Current USA 36 inch with 2- 250W HQI and 2- T5s...is it a good choice? anyone have experience with them? Any feedback on the 2-150watt HQIs vs 2 of the 250s?

 

[BobinCovington]

bump for some input?? Most of you have a ton more experience than me on lighting options, hopefully you can offer a word or two...?

Anyone have comments on this lighting choice for my elos tank that is on order with a mix of SPS (Milli, Stylo, Staghorn, Slimer, Monti), LPS, Clam, Softies (Ricordia, Frogspawn, Star Polyp, Zoanthids, etc), and Fish/Inverts?

 

[Scooterman]

You will need the 250's for that depth If you intend on keeping the sps light demanding corals & clams, I'd say go for it good unit.

 

[roscoe]

Go with the 250s BOB. I think the 150 is worthless for a sps dominated tank JMO. I swear everyone I know that started out with 150 wished they went with 250 instead. Think about it this way the light will be there when you need more light for some reason.

 

[BobinCovington]

My other thought was the luminarc reflector with a single 250 in it, but I don't think it will be as good. I am hoping the light from 2 bulbs will avoid the "shadows" on corals where polyps don't grow

 

[roscoe]

Bob I have a lumenarc mini stealth about 9'' over my 40b 36''x18''x16'' tall. I do have a light shaddow area like 2'' from each end of the tank, but I just installed 2 65w pcs and it took care of the shadows. I just put my lps towards the ends of the tank and sps/clams I put them pretty much anywhere besides 2'' from each end and it gets great lighting. Or you can go with 400w halides and move the luenarcs up a few more inches and it should pretty much cover your whole tank. Think about it you would only have to replace 1 bulb per yr vrs. 2 bulbs a yr and use less energy. JMO and experiance.