Need help with light configuration

I just bought a 75g tank for reef, with stand and canopy. The canopy
has no lights so I am mounting my own. My plan is to install 2 VHOs,
one in the front and one in the back, and 2 MHs, one on each end
between the VHOs. This sound like a decent configuration ? What I
need to know is :
1. What wattage lamps are recommended here ?
2. Is there a recommended distance from the water surface ?
3. Do I need to install a fan or two in my canopy for the heat ?
( My canopy is not totally sealed, it is open in the back and on the
top across the back ).

Advise welcome Thanks.

Hi Paul,

Matt gave you some good ideas.

I tend to believe MH bulbs need to be 10" off the water, if possible. Over my
55g, I have two 10,000K 175w MH, and two 110w Super Actinic VHO bulbs. Tons of
light, and because of the height, heat hasn't been an issue. I've not gone over
81F, and if I run my fan on the sump, it is between 77.6F and 79.8F each day.

Marc


wrote:

I just bought a 75g tank for reef, with stand and canopy. The canopy
has no lights so I am mounting my own. My plan is to install 2 VHOs,
one in the front and one in the back, and 2 MHs, one on each end
between the VHOs. This sound like a decent configuration ? What I
need to know is :
1. What wattage lamps are recommended here ?
2. Is there a recommended distance from the water surface ?
3. Do I need to install a fan or two in my canopy for the heat ?
( My canopy is not totally sealed, it is open in the back and on the
top across the back ).

Advise welcome Thanks.

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

1. What wattage lamps are recommended here ?

For what kind of corals? 175w X 2 will be fine for low light, 250w X 2
should handle most SPS. If you want very color SPS, go for 400w X 2. But
dont even think about keeping softies if you go with 400w. ;p

2. Is there a recommended distance from the water surface ?

As close as possible as long as it doesnt over heat your tank.

3. Do I need to install a fan or two in my canopy for the heat ?

Yes, and maybe even an 6" clip fan or two, depending on what bulb you use.

jc

Bah! ;P Hi jimmy!
I have kept , and still keep many softies under 400s. The only drawbacks
are,
that they grow tooo fast , and they MUST be acclimated SLOWLY .

There are quite a few softie that loves strong light. ;p

Most softies will end up getting burn unless they are shaded.

jc