Difference 175MH vs 250MH

[BCOrchidGuy]

I'm about ready to order my tank, 60x24x19tall. I like the 24 front to back for aquascaping etc. My question is, should I stick with the 175 watt MH units or should I go with 2 x250 watt MH. I plan on keeping mostly soft corals but some LPS as well. With the 19 inch depth I think I should be just fine with 175s but I thought I'd ask. I think given the 5foot length the 4 foot MH fixtures should work out fine, I can center them and keep a colt or such on each end.
I'd like to only set this up once, I can't tell you how many times I've set up a tank and then started changing everything around. My 90 did well with the 175s and I'd not keep anything in the new tank that I didn't keep in the 90.

Thoughts?

Doug

[TNTCanada]

I had asked the same question about my tank I was told to go with 250w. Haven't purchased them so I can't tell you how well they do or not.

[BCOrchidGuy]

I think I kind of anwsered my own question when I said, I don't plan on keeping anything in the new tank that I didn't have in the 90 so I think unless someone gives me an OMG I didn't think of that idea I'll stick with the 175s.

Doug

[robbyville]

You're exactly right Doug,

I think that if you already own the 175's and not the 250's I would stick with those. there's no doubt that it would be better if you were planning on SPS and Clams to go with the 250's but why buy what you already have! If you do change your mind in regards to stocking plans you could always just mount any SPs high in the tank.

If someone were buying a new system though I would definitely recommend the 250's

[ron101]

Also with a 5' tank you could add a third 175W down the road for better coverage (cross brace allowing).

[BCOrchidGuy]

Good Point Ron I've got two 4 foot units so I've got 4 ballasts, I was just thinking cost wise in replacement bulbs etc. I've got my 26 bow for SPS and clams 400 watts over that seems to do the trick.
I guess the one other thing I could do to save $$ on the long run is go with 6500k 250s and then run a single VHO actinic. Thanks for the input folks.

Doug

[StirCrazy]

if you can afford it go with the 250's it is night and day from a 175 to a 250.. doesent sound like much but it is a huge jump PAR wise, especialy if you go the HQI ballast route. I had 18" of water and a 175 to start with and then I upgraded to the 250's.. I can say I got a lot faster growth and a tone more color (even from the LPS and softies).

plus there are a lot more options for bulbs in the 250 size.

Steve

[BCOrchidGuy]

Thanks Steve, I appreciate that. You think two 250W @ 6500k and a VHO actinic will do it?

Doug

[StirCrazy]

do what I am partial to 10000K bulbs but if you think it isn't blue enuf you can always add more actinics.

Steve

[BCOrchidGuy]

Good point, more actinic, just out of curiosity, is there a big difference in Par between 6500k and 10,000k bulbs same wattage and same manufacturer?

Doug