Recommended wattage on new tank

[Robin764]

Hello all....left the hobby after only about 2 yrs experience, due to not being able to set up tanks in my apt. I'm in a house now, with a 150 gal. tank on the way. Part of the package are Orbit 36" 2x65 sunpaq/lunar lights. Two of them. I'm sure my receipt says 2x65 even though I can only find information on the 2x95.
I know to take it slow...but that's the enjoyable part for me....just live-rock is amazing in itself, but my question is...and I know you have all answered this before, but I can't find the threads....is, the wattage is only 260 total, How much will I need? Its standard 72 inch tank, and I believe 1.5 feet deep, with 2 over-flows in corner.
Next year, would like to be able to add a BTA, but was planning on mostly zoa's, mushrooms. I would like lighting somewhere in between the medium to high range, as I don't want to worry about lighting requirements so much if I see a coral I must have.
I wish to have coral, live-rock, and my fave fish Hippo tang, a couple clowns, a goby, and maybe a cleaner shrimp or two, but after my experience with my 120g....I fell in love w/ coral. So want lots of it...lol.
Am looking to purchase additional lighting, but would like a better idea of what I'm looking for. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Avi]

For a tank that size...and the deep, 18-inches....I'd say, taking into considereation what you said about likeing coral and also wanting a BTA....that you should get a fixture or use pendants so that you have three (at least) 175-watt MH bulbs in the 10,000K to 14,000K-range, supported by some other lighting, like T5s or PCs in the actinic or pure blue spectrum. I'd say you be much better off with three 250-watt MH bulbs but you could probably get by with the 175s.

[Saltwater_Dog]

I was told between 3-5 watts minimum per gallon, Robin if thats what your looking for..

[Chris2500DK]

Watts per gallon is a horrible way to measure light though. 250W of PC lights is in no way comparable with 250W of MH or 250W of T5HO with good reflectors.

Medium to high light on a tank that size pretty much means that you have to go with MH or T5HO.

[Avi]

Yes...watts per gallon isn't really relevant to a reef aquarium. It's still somewhat relevant to freshwater planted tanks, but that doesn't help much regarding the needs of coral.

[Robin764]

Thank you all....Gonna go with Avi's advice, picked out a different system with 3 mh bulbs. Thanks again:)

[tmz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11986614#post11986614 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Robin764
Thank you all....Gonna go with Avi's advice, picked out a different system with 3 mh bulbs. Thanks again:) :) Good call.