Will be getting a new tank soon and need some advice for lighting. Tank is a 125 gal with dimensions of 72"x18"x22". There is one center brace so I'll need to light the both sides like two 36" tanks. I wanna go with metal halides and I'll be adding t5's to supplement, when money allows. The halide fixture i'm considering is this one:

http://www.marinedepot.com/Hamilton_HQI_Reefstar_Lighting_System_Double_Ended _Metal_Halide_Pendants-Hamilton-HT1411-FILTFIMHPDDE-vi.html

I'd like to try and make this tank mostly sps, clams, and a few softies here and there...i'll be transfering some livestock coming from a 54 corner with 250 watt metal halide.

My question is, would one fixture per side be enough or should I go with 2, for a total of 4, and should I get the 150 watt or 250 watt? The center brace prohibits me from using 3. I'd like to build a canopy no more than 18" tall so that will be the highest they could be above the tank...heat is a concern too but a chiller is not out of the question in needed...any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

IMO, 2 would not be able to cut it unless you used 400w bulbs and had then very high above the tank (I think some company makes 36" single bulb reflectors). However 4 250w bulbs in good reflectors would give you all the light you need.

ok thanks...i'll probably go with that. BTW...what was the "out of state club" you mentioned the other day?

Haha, if you go up to the top of the page here, and look under "Community" it's in "Social Groups". Just one I created for all of us who don't live in GA. Seems to be growing at a member every other month or so.

ok i'll check it out...I may live in Ky, but i'll always be from Atlanta!