My 250 14K SE, are not close to the 175w Iwasaki,s in par. As a matter of fact, most 14K & up 250w bulbs are not, unless overdriven. 250w 10K is another story however.
As for T-5,s. I still run 4 HO bulbs over my 90. Well its ok and my sps are doing ok, they are not close to the guys with lots of halide light. I need to add at last one more 2 bulbs fixture or something like the Tec, 8 bulb fixture.
My 4 bulbs would be ok for most soft corals, with perhaps 6 being the best.
Guess it all depends on a lot of things. 250,s would give you the most flexability or multiple T-5,s if thats your preference. I was looking at the 175 for my cube but not sure if I would do it on my 90, as those bulbs are $90 plus each. However T-5,s are usually $20 and up per bulb, depending on quality.
The cheaper, higher "K" 250,s would be ok, but I would drive them with nothing less than electronic ballasts.
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Doug
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