I'm not sure I can swing the Metal Halide lights. Based on the math
I've seen floating around on the web, I'm looking at needing about 1.5
Watts per gallon and I'm estimating the tank is about 200 gallons based
on the measurements. Is it possible to get good enough lighting using
compact flourescents? The 24" hood just doesn't seem big enough to hold
enough bulbs to provide adequate light.
When I was referring to the "holes" in the top, keep in mind that the
tank is acrylic so the top is non-removable. Holes have been cut out of
the top to allow for the various things that would need access to the
tank (such as lighting hoods, filter tubes, heater, etc.) The two holes
that I saw that had been used for lighting were rectangular in shape 23
in. wide by 7 in. long and they were spaced evenly apart (2 of them) on
the top piece of the tank. You're right, it would be much easer to show
a photo. I'll get one when I get home and put a link to it. Is there
another way I can do this on the newgroup?

My biggest concern I guess is trying to find a 24" hood that holds (I
guess) 4 bulbs that I could put at least compact flourescents and maybe
(if I can afford it, a Metal Halide bulb. I feel so lost though that
I'm just now sure what kind of pre-assembled kit that can give me what
I need.

-Kevin