250W or 400W?

[Mike Olson]

I getting lights for my new 150g tank..24 inches deep. I have a huge (14 inch dia.) toadstool that will be in there. I have 1- 400 W halide for the new tank already, and I was going to place in the middle. I was told that I should get 2-250's for the sides if I was looking at keeping softies in the tank as well...apparently 3- 400W halides would be too much unless I just keep sps's and lps's. The toadstool is 12 inches tall and I was plannig on placing near the bottom which would give approx. 12 inches of water and 6 inches of air between it and the halides...I would prefer to go all 400's, but I want to keep leathers etc. as well

[DanG]

If you can deal with the heat that 1200 watts of lighting will create, go with 400's.

[Mike Olson]

I was thinking of placing 4 fans in the hood...do you think it is too much for the toadstool? I cant see it being too much considering it is still ALOT less that natural sunlight.

[rickjames]

Originally Posted by Mike Olson

I getting lights for my new 150g tank..24 inches deep. I have a huge (14 inch dia.) toadstool that will be in there. I have 1- 400 W halide for the new tank already, and I was going to place in the middle. I was told that I should get 2-250's for the sides if I was looking at keeping softies in the tank as well...apparently 3- 400W halides would be too much unless I just keep sps's and lps's. The toadstool is 12 inches tall and I was plannig on placing near the bottom which would give approx. 12 inches of water and 6 inches of air between it and the halides...I would prefer to go all 400's, but I want to keep leathers etc. as well

What are the dimensions of the tank? I light my 5 foot long 150 with two 400W and that seems to be the best configuration.

[Mike Olson]

the tank is 6 ft long...so I figure 1 per 2 ft. do you think three 400 would be too much?

[Rus]

i don't think it's too much , although i firmly believe you could achieve the same results with all 250 's or a 400 in the middle. i run 2 250's and a 400 on a 225 gal sps tank[ 30'' in depth ] , and in general am quite pleased with the colors , growth and health of my corals , as well as my electrical bill is not thru the roof . Heat will also surely be an issue with 3 - 400's


hth -Russ

[rickjames]

Originally Posted by Mike Olson

the tank is 6 ft long...so I figure 1 per 2 ft. do you think three 400 would be too much?

Its not too much, just be prepared to purchase a chiller.

[hockey nut]

You'll get a great affect plus look and less heat with 3 250wt HQI.

Just IMO.

[Mike Olson]

I have always thought 'the more wattage, the better', but I think I have become more enlightened to the fact that the 400 in the middle and 250's on the sides might be the better solution. I was looking at a few of the reef central and careef 'tanks of the month' and was surpised at how few ran all 400's on a 6ft tank. The ones that did,you couldnt see much difference when comparing results...on camera at least

[Mike Olson]

I already have a 400W e-ballast w/20k light that I bought from Andresont online...so I will have to use it