Lighting opinions please!

[Son Of Skyline]

Hey everyone. I'm currently running my 27gal (18" tall) with a single 175 10000k MH with a simple reflector. I am planning on upgrading to a 48gal which I just recieved (thanks Pocilopora!) but I'm wondering about the additional length of the tank in relation to lighting. The depth of the tank will be about the same in the 48 gal, as I'll be adding a 6" DSB as opposed to the 4" DSB in my 27gal currently.

If placed in the center of the tank about 8-12" above the water, will that single MH bulb be enough to provide light in the outer edges of the 36" tank? If not, is it possible to get a reflector that will do the trick? TIA smile.gif

[BCReefer]

I have a 175MH and 2 30W Actinic on a 33G 36x12x18 and I am not happy with only the 1 MH as I only have good penetration right under the bulb. I also have a reflector. If I had to do it again I would of went with the 250W. I am looking into a different tank in the next few months and I will probably have 2 MH on a 90ish tank.

HTH
Patrick