I don't know what to do. . .

[Hal1]

I'm going to run a 150XH (48x24x30H) with a 4 inch DSB and a skimmer, FOWLR at first and most likely convert to a reef tank.

My question is, what type of lighting should I use?

To complicate things, 1) I don't know what types of corals I'd like, and the 4 books I've read haven't been much help. I like everything I see. 2)As I said, I'll start FOWLR, so any reef lighting would be unnecessary (and expensive on my electric bill) until I make the switch.

To simplify things, can VHO or PC handle a tank with a 26 inch water column (30-4 inch for DSB)? From what I read, even a 175W MH wouldn't be enough; 250W might hack it, and 400 should do the trick. (quantity would be 2 MH's, and prob 2 actinic bulbs.)

If I go VHO, I'm not sure I can fit more than 6 bulbs on my tank, for 660W (4.4 W/g), and I don't know if this is enough.

 

[dbman]

Remember even if light doesn't penetrate to teh bottom of the tank it will still be plenty bright up high - makes for nice natural stratification where you have high-light organisms toward the top of the tank and low-light critters down below. I've got a 400W on my 18" deep tank and trust me, I wish I didn't have full intensity on the bottom; I continually have to find places to shelter some of my corals.

 

[Rich-n-poor]

Why would you want to buy lighting twice ? in vest in good lighting now will save money in long run.
I have 37 gallon ultra high 24 inch water columne and i use a power compact double light setup 2X55 watts one white one blue bulb this is available as retorfit kit for installation into any canopy and comes with bulbs ballast and reflector at marine depot.
If you can turn a screw you can install this kit!!! it cost me $125 and comes with two switches 1 for each bulb so you can run 55 watts only while you have fish only tank and then turn second on after you get coral.
if you get one blue and one white this will give you adequet light in your tank as blue light penetrates further down the water column. I currently keep a leather a finger leather and various mushrooms with 110 watts in 24 inch water columne and all are thriving
As rule of thumb you should shoot for 4 watts a gallon in lighting capacity

 

[Anonymous]

There are many ways to skin a cat.

I started my tank with a Lights of America model 9266 for $20, 65 watts all white (Home Depot) with N.O. actinics 03 I then found a great deal on a 250 MH used in a LFS.

I am not saying this is the way to go, just it is never just one way works.

Here is a link for a company many people on this board have used and all reported outstanding service.
www.ahsupply.com

I say enjoy your FOWLR put in some shrooms, mine did great with the LOA 9266. When you find that great deal upgrade. The best part of this hobby is enjoying it, do not let the cost all at once ruin it for you.

Good luck