Forced to MH Lights??

[Retired_AF]

Sorry to keep posting questions but hereare a couple more. I am working on getting the equipment list for my 90 gallon tank I am setting up as my first saltwater tank. It came with a single 24" fluorescent bulb which I know is totally inadequate for what I am planning. I want to start it as a FOWLR and maybe start some corals after I get some experience under my belt.

The tank is 48" wide 13 inches deep and 31" high so I know I will need some serious lights to be able to illuminate the lower part adequately. I may not need them immediately since I will be trying to put the tank into place this weekend, but the time is approaching fast.

My questions are :

Am I forced to metal halides to light the bottom of this thing?

What size, 250 or 400 watts? I want it to light fairly evenly so I am sure I would need at least 2 fixtures if they have single bulbs.

Is there any difference between the ones at the aquarium store and the halogen lights at the hopme improvement store?

 

[Sniperhank]

Following. Another choice might be LED as well, though could be pricey.

 

[carey]

A 48" inch MH fixture should have two lamps so it should be even. As an example, I setup a dual 150watt MH over my 90g tank and it seemed to light the bottom ok, but I bet it would be even better with 250's. If you go mh make sure you get a fixture with actinic support or the tank will be very yellow, at least in my opinion.

led's can also be a super option. The AI sols supposedly are great for deep tanks but they are about $400 a piece and you'd need two.

Or you could research other led's and see what you find.

 

[Retired_AF]

The AI sols supposedly are great for deep tanks but they are about $400 a piece and you'd need two.

EEEEEEKKKK!!!!!!! LOL

 

[bskerrichard27]

Cl has nice deals on lights

 

[joy13]

Depending on the types of coral you might could go with t5 lighting but I like the MH lighting better. If you want more blue you can try a 20k bulb I like 14 K but my friend likes 20 K as long as there is enough yellow and red spectrum in the light either one works great.

You might check out a couple local forums in NC someone is always upgrading or getting out or shrinking in the hobby it seems.