Newbie needs help with lighting!!!

[savirag]

I have been investigating how to go about lighting my 180. I have been told many different things by many different people. Everything from all PC, all VHO, mix of VHO/MH. At this point I am very confused to say the least.

I have decided to go with a MH/VHO combo, to use my IceCap 660 and add to hood.

My question is what do I do for MH, do I go with 250, 400, 250 HQI. Do the HQI bulbs give off less heat than a traditional MH bulb?

I am looking to have a mixed reef, I would like to try to keep some stoney corals in the future and do not want to have to upgrade later.

Thanks

 

[Glenn]

With all the possibilities available, no wonder you (and the rest of us ) are confused.
Before any SPECIFIC opinions are given, let me offer my general theory regarding marine aquaria. IMO there are only 2 ctiical elements to keeping a sucessful reef tank: First and formost is lighting. Corals live on light. (they live in water but live on light). Second is adequate water flow. My experience has shown that when these 2 parameters are fullfilled, (and assuming you have enough Live rock and substrate), water quality can be less than optimal and you can still be able to keep a healthy tank as long as you keep the nitrate down. (the tank can't be a sewer, but within reasonable limits, you can dispense with most of the water quality gadgets and toys). Therefore I have learned the expensive way that you should not skimp on your lighting equipment.
I have found that nothing comes close to MH for a tank as deep as the 180. My main tank is 120g (48"x24"x24") and I am running 2 MH w/ 4 VHO flor. tubes. Vho's alone would keep things alive, but SPS didn't thrive. When I added the MH, 2 yrs ago things really took off. By the way, if you're worried about too much light, I have some of the biggest, prettiest shrooms and leathers around. I started w/ 175w MH then replaced the left light w/ a 250 watt. Overall I think the 250 does a much better job. Considering the extra cost of a 250 is only a few dollars more, there is no question that I will eventually replace the remaining 175w with a 250. I don't have any experience w/ 400w, and am concerned about heat and energy use.
As far as the color of your bulbs go, I think this is a matter of personal preference. I personally like a crisp white look but also insist on the irridecense to be visable. I have found that 6500k Iswaki supplimented with VHO actinics is perfect for me, But I've also seen some really good tanks run on 10k's also.
Sorry to ramble so much, & Good Luck!