Lighting for
coral reef aquariums is much more complicated than lighting for a house. Corals have needs that are heavily dependent on light. Hard corals, in particular, generate their exoskeletons with photosynthesis. Without intense light, they will not be able to form their exoskeletons properly.
This is the reason why lighting is a very important factor to consider when you own coral reef aquariums. You can't just walk in a hardware store and grab a couple of lamps. Luckily, the 150-Watt 14000K Metal Halide Bulb - Aquamaxx, Double Ended from
Pet Store is made to solve that problem.
This bulb gives off a very crisp and clean white light with a slightly bluish tint. This combination of white and blue works perfectly together to nicely bring out the vibrant pigments of the corals. The result is a stunning display that no other lamp can deliver. This bulb also has a high-intensity light that doesn't need supplementation - unless you want to add more to improve the simulation of nighttime and daytime.
The 150-Watt 14000K Metal Halide Bulb - Aquamaxx also is perfect for tanks that are at least two feet deep. The light it gives off is intense enough to reach deep areas within such tanks.