Lighting equivalent

R

rchan11

What's the wattage equivalent of different types of lighting? Ex MH, PC, VHO, T5, etc.

3-5 watts per gallon is based on which type of light?
 
It really has more to do with tank depth. They are all about the same on the surface, but once you start getting deeper the intensity matters.

Tell us your tank dept and size and we can work from there.
 
I've 42hex that's 24" deep. Currently running 220 watts PC and thinking of upgrading to the new Odysea 20" with 175w MH, 36w PC and 16w moonlight.
 
If you have a 6 inch sand bed then you only have 18 inches to penetrate. You should be able to keep just about anything you want with your current lighting, especially in the top 12 inches.

If you are wanting to really get into SPS, anemones or clams you would benefit from the halides. I am a huge fan of halides but unless you met the above criteria, a lack of halides should not hamper your success in this hobby. Then again, if you got the money to spend, halides IMO are worth it just for the glimmer effect and overall brightness added to the aquarium.
 
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