Lighting Advice please!

[Lucent28]

I'm starting a 90gal reef tank and I need to know what type of lighting will be best. My dad is an electrican so he's going to help me with the canopy set-up. I was thinking of VHOs. I could fit 4 bulbs in the canopy. will this be enough? My dad seems to think MH will be to much trouble. Does anyone have any input? Maybe a DIY lighting page? I'd like to have enough light in my tank so I won't have to upgrade anytime soon. Specific specs would be great. thanks everybody

 

[jumpincactus]

Well the lighting you choose will all depend on what types of livestock you will keep. Fish only, corals soft only ie mushrooms, anenomes. It is pretty well agreed that if you are going to strive for stony corals you will want to go metal halide. Although I have seen reefs with VHO only keep all types of coral. As with anything in this hobby you are going to get hundreds of opinions and you will ultimatly have to decide for your application based on what you are going to keep in the tank.

 

[FragMaster]

Your father knows exactly how much MH cost to run per month being an electrician! LOL! I think your hit in that area.
It realy depends on the dimensions of your tank as well as what types of coral you want to keep. For example the shallower your tank the less need becomes for more powerfull lighting.
Also DO NOT SKIMP on a good reflector.

 

[Anonymous]

VHO would be fine if you are going to keep non-light demanding corals. MH would give you the most flexability. For a 90 to have max flex I would suggest 2x 250MH. VHO or other supplimentation would be an option.