Confused about wattage requirements.

[EQCM2B]

OK , I was told that I would need about 8 watts of light per gallon for corals depending on what kind. I am still confused about this wattage thing. I understand the metal halide wattage but when I start looking at PC's, am I suppose to look at their wattage use or their wattage output? Also, if I get a double bulb or quad setup is each length cumulative or is it still the same as one bulb.

Example being.......
1x96W Actinic 03/10000K (50/50) 4-Tube (Quad)

What do I have here as far as final output towards requirements? Do I have 4x96=384 watts total, half being in the 10k spectrum and half being in the actinic 03 wich would almost be enough for my 46 gallon tank, Or, do I only have 96 watts of lighting in the tank?Sorry to keep hassling about lights. Thanks for the help.

[dakar]

No hassle at all, consider all the lighting cumulative 4x96 = 384, 8-10 watts/gallon is ideal, but depending on what kind of coral you want to keep it's not always neccessary.

[EQCM2B]

So lighting like this could be sufficient for what I want?

[jerryc]

So lighting like this could be sufficient for what I want?

Depends on whit you want it will be good for soft and mostLPS but not for most SPS

[EQCM2B]

So what would I need for the sps? The penetration of MH or would more wattage of flourescent be sufficient? I do understand that the MH would be optimum but just like my skimmer (remora pro over the deltec mce600), I am on a budget. Good thing is I have at least a year before I even start to worry about corals.

[jerryc]

About the only thing for SPS over all is MH and maybe T5 imo

[davejnz]

With a 45 gal corner,I'd go with a single 250wMH retro.CoralVue is currently selling there retro for $180.That comes complet with bulb/electronic ballast/ reflector,and the mogul socket.Pretty much a plug-n-play retro.

[davejnz]

T5's and flourescents work well,but with the dimensions of your tank.The smaller lengths of the bulbs you would have to use wouldn't be idea for that tank.

[EQCM2B]

Thanks for all of the help. MH it will probably be. Is 250watts enough or should I go 400watts since my tank is more deep than long?

[davejnz]

A 250 would be fine IMO