Opinion Needed: Lighting Purchase

Funkytone · #1 11-09-2007, 11:10 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have a 75g with a bunch of softies right now and want to make the switch from PC over to MH. I've got the opportunity to purchase the following but just wanted to get your opinion if this is adequate for my setup or overkill?

Ice Cap 250w Electronic Ballast
XM 250w 20,000K MH Bulb
Mogul Reflector 175-400w

$200 for all.

Is this too much for my tank?
Will I have to keep everything towards the bottom or top of the tank?
Would I still require the Actinic's PC's?

Any input is appreciated guys.

Thank You
-Tony

fencer · #2 11-09-2007, 11:33 PM

I have 300 watts of MH on my 72g and actinics as well. I would like more wattage on the MH for SPS

kwirky · #3 11-10-2007, 12:03 AM

the 250W is quite versatile and with the 20k bulb it'll meet your needs. It'll be nice and blue and be a good intensity for your softies and some stony corals. I have a 150W on my 24 gallon and will be upgrading to 250W if I get heavily into SPS.

If you want to change to SPS or high-light corals of the like you just go to a good 10k bulb for a higher intensity.

That's just fine and a great price. Find out how old the bulb is though, you may have to buy one if it's time to be replaced.

Funkytone · #4 11-10-2007, 12:53 AM

Fencer - Thanks for the knowledge

Kwirky - All of its brand new in the box, never used, so it sounds like a good deal.

Do you guys think I would need a chiller?

fencer · #5 11-10-2007, 01:01 AM

I don't have a chiller...temp with lights on about 29C and light off 27C...I also run a 33gal sump

Skimmerking · #6 11-10-2007, 01:11 AM

I have 2x 250 HQI on my 120 with mixed running 13K megachromes on mine and i have never needed a chiller..