250w vs 400w???

fiorano · #1 12-10-2008, 07:16 PM

thx guys like i said i already have the 250's but i have 2 identical ones running off the same ballast and then one in the middle i bought later on and it seems to be brighter than the other 2. could that mean i need a new ballast for the dimmer ones? they all have identical bulbs bought at the same time so its not the bulbs i dont think.

MikeP · #2 12-10-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiorano

thx guys like i said i already have the 250's but i have 2 identical ones running off the same ballast and then one in the middle i bought later on and it seems to be brighter than the other 2. could that mean i need a new ballast for the dimmer ones? they all have identical bulbs bought at the same time so its not the bulbs i dont think.

Sorry for the hijack but the answer to your question might answer what I was about to post. Are all magnetic ballasts created equal? And can their performance diminish over time? I have 3 magnetics now but was considering buying a dual ballast to replace the DIY ones I have (bought them used from another canreefer last year), if all magnetics perform the same I might not bother but I'm also looking at electronic ballasts.

Tx

soups · #3 12-10-2008, 08:44 PM

I have a 150g 5'x2'x2' with 3/250w DE. All my sps are doing nicly, If you can get your hands on some nice bulbs. You will see better color, So if you ask me, 3/ 250w on a 24" tank will do fine.

One other note; there are some sps need less light when other.

fiorano · #4 12-10-2008, 08:52 PM

awesome that sounds good. and right now i think i have giessman 13 500 k bulbs but im not to sure how i feel about them then. what would be a better bulb to use for coral growth and color? hahaha and don't worry about hijacking anything you learn will probably help me out to haha

soups · #5 12-10-2008, 09:28 PM

If your looking for one of the best, try (Phoenix)14k

untamed · #6 12-10-2008, 09:49 PM

I run 250W MHs and the Geismann 13000K and have no complaints about my SPS growth or colour. I'll probably repurchase this bulb next year. Unless your tank is crazy-tall, the 250's should be just fine....especially since you already own them.

I also run 54W actinic T5.

Reefer Rob · #7 12-10-2008, 10:49 PM

I have 3- 400W halides over my 180, and I find it to be a bit too much. I really have to watch my coral placement. Anything in the top 10" or 12" directly under the bulbs has to really like light! I think 250s with say 4 T5s would be better.