Lighting advice for new 65 gal Reef requested

[pjewett]

Hi All, Happy New Year!

I splurged on myself this year and recently upgraded to a new RR 65 gallon with Megaflow 4 Sump.

Now I'm trying to decide what I can do to improve my lighting situation. The tank depth is 23" from water surface to sandbed and I currently have a 54w X 4 T5 light for a total of 216w.

I also have a MH (2x 250W I think) unit that a friend gave me but before I replace it's bulbs, paint it up and try hanging it from my ceiling (pending wife's approval) I want to see if it's necessary or if this MH system would be too much.

I currently keep just LPS and softies but MAY consider adding some SPS or clams someday.

Pictures are attached. Any advice appreciated!

Current setup

MH (2x250?) light I'm thinking of using

Ballast

Current MH bulbs (Blueline?)

 

[isgon26]

I would go with MH if you want to add SPS.

 

[Arati]

I use 2 x 250 mh on my 65 reef , and I plan to cut the center brace ands replace it with a clear brace, then run only 1 250w 10k and maybe 2 t5 atinics. the 500w on the 65 is overkill and makes it hard to keep corals that preffer less lights like Acan and Calice.

Good luck