Lighting questions/suggestions

[gvbender1]

My tank is 27g hexagon, 24'' deep and has a maximum width of 20'' in the middle. I would eventually like to have coral in my tank and so I have decided to get a metal halide light. I have decided I would like to either get a light that I could hang from the ceiling or mount on one of the sides of the tank. Here are the two I am considering the Aqualight Advanced Series HQI Metal Halide Fixture

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13922&inm=1&N=2004+113352+2032

and the 150W SunPod HQI Metal Halide Fixture

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...a_Gen_Page-_-Lighting&subref=AA&N=2004+113352

Just a couple of questions, has anyone had any experience with these two lights, or can anyone recommend a better light that would fit my needs? Also I've read that with my tank depth a 250W MH is recommended. However if I would just like to get low and medium light corals would 150W be enough?? Also if I do get the 150 and would like to have a coral that requires more light would a possible solution be to just place these corals higher up in the tank??

Thank you

 

[steve-s]

What exactly is your goal? Softy/LPS?

I wouldn't get the 150 even then with that kind of depth. The light penetration to the bottom would be very weak. You'll end up with only being able to place low light corals in the top ½ of the tank. My friend has the 150 HQI Aqualight on a shallower tank than yours and it's quite disappointing. You cannot get the light closer than about 8" to the water line unless you mount it independantly.

I would go with a 250w pendant style that you can alter the height and adjust light intensity as needed.

Cheers
Steve