Wattage size for MH

[utahsaltreefer]

I know this subject has been beaten to death here, but I can't find the specific info I was hoing for. The next tank I'll be setting up will some day house clams and/or SPS corals. It is an 80 gallon that is 6 ft long and 16 inches tall. Due to the length I assume 2 lights would be enough, or is 3 better warranted? Also since the tank is shallow are 175 watt MH lights bright enough, or do I need to bump up to 250 watt MHs? I am pretty sure 400 watt MHs would be overkill for such a shallow tank. My earlier post was wonderfully helpful for which bulb to use, I just can't figure out the right wattage Thanks.

 

[Mikef1]

In your case I would go with 3 250w double ended bulbs. Double ended are more energy efficient and intense. I would stay away from 175s.

 

[hillbilly]

I second that Mike. 250w double ended bulbs are almost as intense as 400w, watt for watt that is.

 

[Len]

Third affirming opinion for 250W double ended ("HQI") bulbs. Two will suffice if you leave the ends a populated with less demanding organisms. Three is ideal.

 

[utahsaltreefer]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I've never seen a unanimous reply to a lighting question That is the solution I will work towards then. The only thing is that previously I had decided to use XM bulbs, but with DE HQI I don't think they make bulbs. Any preference as to which bulb to go with for these setups? Thanks again for the great responses.

 

[utahsaltreefer]

Nevermind, I just went to MarineDepot and XM does make HQI DE bulbs. Thanks