Need input on lighting configuration

[neenish]

I need some input on this lighting setup.
I have a 150g (48" L x 24" T x 30" W) tank. I want to use dual 400w MH using XM 20k bulbs as the main lighting source. I also have a spare dual 175w MH 10k Ushios that I would like to use in the canopy. Can I mount the 400w closer to the front of the tank and then the 175w towards the back of the tank (where the rocks would let some corals be closer to the water's surface). I also have 2 NO flourescent bulbs that I can use as well. Is this over kill for my tank? I'm going to keep LPS, softies, zoo's and ricordias, and slowly add SPS. Right now I have everything in my 55g under the 175w. Any input would be appreciated.
TIA
Brian

 

[Saltykirk]

I would think most of the LPS and softies would thrive on the bottom. You would definitly want to acclimate them slowly to that much light. I would run just the halides, IMO. SPS really like that much light, but they will bleach if you start them out on top. Unless of course you get them from some of the places that keep their sps under that kind of light. I hope you find what works for you.

 

[Len]

Personally, I'd run place the 400 watters halfway from front to back. If you place them to the front of the tank, the corals on the backside, even higher up on the rocks, won't get a whole lot of light. Basically, you'll have a tank that is more evently lit but with no area that is very bright for those corals that demand extremely bright lights and no dimmer areas for shade-loving species. If you place them in the middle, you can have distinct light intensity zones where the most light-demaing corals are 2/3rds back and the least light-demanding corals are on the substrate near the front.

Use the 175W as a "spotlight" for an area where you need the extra light. I actually don't even think it's necessary if you choose not to use it.