1x400MH or 2x250MH?

[wally311]

OK, here's the deal.
As some might already know, I am preparing to move my reef to a new tank (37 to 46BF). I was originally planning on using 2 250W 14K MH on the tank. However, after reading toadfish's response to an earlier post, I am now thinking about modifying the center brace and goinig w/ 1 400W 14K or 1 400W 6.5K Iwasaki and 2x55 PC's. This way, I can accomodate the SPS corals that I want to get AND the softies that I already have (SPS in the middle, softies off to the sides). Does anyone have an opinion on this? Will one 400W be enough for a 3' tank? :?:

 

[liquid]

I would say 1x400 would do you, but I'd still be leary of modifying the bracing. Also, you may find that some SPS and softies don't necessarily mix well together due to chemical warfare and whatnot.

Shane

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
2X250W setup will give you more even distribution of light from one end to another. However, this advantage comes at a cost. The price of bulb and ballast will almost double compare to a single 400W setup, and the amount of light given off by 2X250W is almost identical to the lower wattage setup.

With that said, for a 3 feeter, a single MH bulb will be more than enough to cover the length (assume an appropriate reflector). However, if the amount of extra trouble exceeds the benefit, you may want to stick with 2X250W instead. (That is, if you already have the dual ballast and two 250W bulbs, and need to get rid of the old setup and get new 400W setup as well as doing the mod on the canopy, etc.) Your time, your money, your call.

 

[wally311]

yeah, I don't have either MH ballast yet, just a 2x55 PC setup. The brace mod sounded like a good idea for what I want to do. Anyone else?

 

[o2manyfish]

How about if someone tips the scales in a direction for you:

I have (2) used 400 watt round pendants with ballasts

A 400w Reef optix/ Reef sun Rectangular pendant with ballast

A dual 400w Reef Optix / Reef Sun rectangular pendant with dual ballasts.

All items work, All are used, All require new bulbs.

I am located in Los Angeles, make a reasonable offer.

Dave
[email protected]