Can I use 2 400w mh??

[Mattl22]

I'm currently using 2 250 w mh pendants and I'm pretty happy with them but was offered 2 400 w mh new bulb and ballast pendants for about the cost it would be to replace my current bulbs so I'd like to buy them will they be too much for a tank with no chiller?
Right now my tank goes to 78-80
I'd be adding 300 watts of light

 

[Mattl22]

Btw tank is 220
6' x24" x30 " deep

 

[SirReefalot]

I use 2 400W on my 120 tall you should be fine I just run one fAn blowing across the top of the tank.

 

[KathyC]

The 400's will allow you to grow a greater variety of coral lower in the tank, but I'd be surprised if you maintain that temp in the summer with the 250's, never mind the 400's without a chiller or at least an AC going in the room the tank is in.

 

[alan.reef]

becarefull of the 2x400 heat produce

 

[MIKE NY]

Matt there is a big difference in heat between the two..thats why I use 250's and more electricity too.....but the benefit is better growth and possibly color.

 

[Mattl22]

I do have Centrel air and can keep the room at 76 all the time
I'm definitely nervous about the heat is hate too buy these hook them up and realize I can't use them .....
Tough decision the my eletric bill would go up another $20 a month or so and it's high already

 

[Mattl22]

Sir reef a lot do u have a chiller ??

 

[SirReefalot]

No. But my tank is in my basement and I keep my central air at 76 all day and 73 when I'm home. My tank is 48x18x30 and my MH are about 8 inches from my water line. Last summer during the heat waves my tank got up to 82 I only really keep zoos so I didn't have any problems. If I was you I would just buy the lights to have them if anything and just wait to install them when you pick up a chiller to be on the safe side. Good luck!

 

[Mattl22]

I have same scenario central air tank in basement Centrel air keep at 75

 

[Mattl22]

Why 400 w mh for zoas?

 

[alan.reef]

Lol.. i you worry the the heat you can pass me the MH deal!!
Im looking MH reflector. good luck Matt

I do have Centrel air and can keep the room at 76 all the time
I'm definitely nervous about the heat is hate too buy these hook them up and realize I can't use them .....
Tough decision the my eletric bill would go up another $20 a month or so and it's high already

 

[Mattl22]

I'm gonna go for it if they don't work out ill sell them hoping between fans and short light period I can get away with them even thinking bout running 1 for hr and a half both for 2 hrs then just other for hr and a half

 

[vio]

Matt, is NOT about temp. on and around house, 73-78 is about how much u warm the water, try to measure the temp. next to water column , i have PAR meter + IR Infrared Thermometer Gun Temperature , i run 400 W MH , half of my tank (220 gal. Acrylic) run 2 AC units on room (my shop) run fan to blow heat out, sun i will run my chiller, my personal opinion , u still to run chiller. If u need help let me now. Vio :flower:

 

[Mattl22]

Hi Vio thanks yes ideally I'd love a chiller but that's more pumps electric will heat up the whole basement
I guess I'm gonna find out

 

[Marek-S]

Maybe you should consider third 250w pendant ? On 6' tank I think I'd rather have 3 of the 250w than 2 of the 400w -

 

[Tonyscoots84]

me personally, I wouldn't go 400w mh

 

[duke62]

400 w for zoos whoa

 

[Mattl22]

Ok here's my thinking

30" deep tank pretty deep for 250w
hoping to go 99% sps
At some point!!

I'm not lighting the middle of tank there is a lg center overflow and I've decided to leave the ccenter open for swimming room I'm a fish nut as well as sps !!

And perhaps the biggest is these are hardely used still have box and new bulb cost me $20 more to replace my existing fixtures bulbs !!

Anyone say go for it???

 

[Jaftica]

go for it!