Hi Henry,

If you put 2 x 400 on a 6 foot long time, you are going to have two very bright
spots and some major shadowing on both ends plus the center.

Better to put 3 x 250 over it. I know what you are saying about that center
brace. That thing is a major pain, and I won't ever get a tank with one. You
will just have to keep that glass very clean (top and bottom), and less light
demanding things will do just fine in that center spot.

That is the only way I can think that you'd have what looks consistently lighted
tank.

Marc


Henry wrote:

Marc,
I am also trying to design lighting for a tank. Mine being 180gal so 6'
long. The tank is an Oceanic so it has a 1/2" glass reinforcement arcoss
the top in the center , probably 12" wide running front-to-back. If I use
3 - 250w MH lights, the middle one will be directly over this support. I am
thinking of either 2 400w or just 2 250's and will have to be careful what I
put in the center of the tank?
Comments or suggestions?
Henry
"Marc Levenson" wrote in message
...
Jeffrey,

If we could make our own lighting for $99, it would be major public
knowledge I
assure you. Bulbs alone can run as much as $89 each! You may find some
nice
retro-fit lighting kits on Ebay, but it will cost you at least $200 or
more. If
you want to grow hard corals (sps), you'll want to buy 2 x 250w Metal
Halide
lighting (assuming your tank is 4' long; 3 -250w if you have a 6' tank).

If you find something you like, come back here and post about it and we
can help
you make sure you are getting a good deal.

Marc


N9mxt1 wrote:

Hello all,
I just recently bought a 125 gallon all-glass tank. I have been
running
freshwater fish for years and once again got my feet wet in sal****er.
I am
planning to run this 125 for a reef tank. However, need the proper
lighting to
make it all work. I don't want to spend $100's of dollars on lights
from a pet
store when I can make something work just the same. Anyone out there
know how
to make these fixtures they sell at local stores for $100? Couldn't I
find and
create something from the local hardware store that would work for my
lighting?
or where to get the proper lighting I need and not kill myself paying it
all
off! Please let me know via email at

Thanks so much...

Jeffrey

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Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com