[shadrak]

Hi everyone I'm new to reefs and I'm setting up my first reef tank it's a 80 gal truvu 5'x18"x18" my question is first is it to shallow and what wattage would I need to light it. I am planning on mh and suppl actinics.

[BLKBRDTA]

2 x 250w MH HQI's would be perfect for an 18" deep display, along with 4 staggered 48" T5HO's for supplemental Actinic range. I would go with 14k bulbs for the ballasts as the 20k's could be a bit too luminous at 18" and above, unless you were looking after a substantial amount of SPS.

[shadrak]

Thanks for the help just one more question is 18 inches to shallow because I have another tank that is deeper it is just not as long and it has a hexagonal front that me personally I do not care for. Thanks

[BLKBRDTA]

I failed to notice it was your first posted thread, welcome to the reef Chad!

60"L x 18"W x 18"H is a nicely dimensioned display, practically impossible to find a T5HO fixture though (obviously why your inquiry is for MH HQI's.) To answer your question, yes 18"D would be fine with the use of 250w MH's. 14k DE Phoenix bulbs have a good reputation around here, just thought I would cite. Overall, the coral desired is all up to you, just plan before hand and buy the equipment accordingly.

[shadrak]

Thanks for the help just one more question do you think it would be good to drop the wattage a little and use 3 mh just curious if this would give better coverage. And are 400 watts to much because I was planning on a bigger tank down the road and I could keep from buyin lights twice thanks again.