New tank lighting ?

[Spssteven]

I am setting up a new tank, it is 32long 34 deep and 24 tall. What should I do for lighting, right now I have 2 175 watt halides and 2 65 watt pc. I can use those or should I go with 2 250 watt halides or 1 400 watt? Either way I will be using electronic bsllast, the 175 i have are ice cap ballast already. I will be keeping almost all sps. Any thoughts thanks

[Spssteven]

No one has an opinion?

[mastershake72]

I'd say no go on the 400 watt keep lighting distibution more even with two separate MH lamps. 250 watt MH would have deeper penetration so if you keep clams or SPS on bottom you would get better coloration but if on bottom you have LPS or softies then there is no need to go bigger than what you have. How about getting rid of the PCs and just getting T5 acitinics? That would give a much more noticeable difference I think.

[Spssteven]

You think getting rid of the pc and getting t5s what brand and watts? I haven't used them so I didn't even give it a thought.

[210reefer]

Personally, I would go with the 2 x 175 watt and keep them 10-12" above the water to prevent to much of a heat issue, that is still a tone of light for a 32L and if you upgrade to T5's that will really open up the options for corals. Geismann (not sure of spelling) is one of the better brands, I would stagger 2 x 24" bulbs with good reflectors.

[Spssteven]

Not 32L it like a 60ga or 90ga 32 inch long 24 inch tall and deep

[Spssteven]

Anyone who uses t5s what what be a good brand and watage