In the new tank that I am building I have the option between 250 & 400 watt metal halides.
Both are available locally - both are within my budget.
I like to be prepared for any outcome. The tank will realistically be FOWLR and some mushrooms and polyps for the first four to six months. Only after that will any other varieties of corals be introduced. Since I don't know if mail order is feasible due to shipping times, CITIES, etc., I am thinking that corals will be diffiuclt to purchase. As an addict, I will find a way. But at this moment I cannot anticipate what corals will be in the tank. I have seen carpet anonomes wasting away under virtually no light in the LFS store so once tank is established it's probable that I will put in one in. I need to learn more about carpets first but anyway... I am sure that at some point I will want stony corals and even clams.
Since I am new to MH, I intend on using the (2) Blue Moons and (2) Tritons initially while LR and sand bed get established. I am a bit scared that the strong light of MH will cause algae blooms, eliminate coralline and even burn the LR. I think that I will only use the MH a few hours a day until I have corals that really need that much light.
Anyway...
The tank is 24" deep and the lights will sit about 12" above the tank. The length is 63.5".
Anyone with any suggestions??? Will I regret going with 250? Does the tank depth lend itself to 400?
Any thoughts?
Both are available locally - both are within my budget.
I like to be prepared for any outcome. The tank will realistically be FOWLR and some mushrooms and polyps for the first four to six months. Only after that will any other varieties of corals be introduced. Since I don't know if mail order is feasible due to shipping times, CITIES, etc., I am thinking that corals will be diffiuclt to purchase. As an addict, I will find a way. But at this moment I cannot anticipate what corals will be in the tank. I have seen carpet anonomes wasting away under virtually no light in the LFS store so once tank is established it's probable that I will put in one in. I need to learn more about carpets first but anyway... I am sure that at some point I will want stony corals and even clams.
Since I am new to MH, I intend on using the (2) Blue Moons and (2) Tritons initially while LR and sand bed get established. I am a bit scared that the strong light of MH will cause algae blooms, eliminate coralline and even burn the LR. I think that I will only use the MH a few hours a day until I have corals that really need that much light.
Anyway...
The tank is 24" deep and the lights will sit about 12" above the tank. The length is 63.5".
Anyone with any suggestions??? Will I regret going with 250? Does the tank depth lend itself to 400?
Any thoughts?
