MH ?

[herpsandreefs]

I'm have a tank that is 24x24x60 inches. I'd like to know what would be better for SPS and clams. Two 250 watt 10,000k MH's, or three 175 10,000k MH's. Would two 250 watt bulbs sufficiently light the tank for a large amount of SPS corals and clams, or would three 175's mh 10000k bulbs be better. Any advice appreciated,

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Meloco14]

Personally, I would have 3 250's or 2 250's with a 175 in the middle. For crocea clams and most sps the more light the better. 3 175's will provide good coverage laterally but won't penetrate the depth like 250's will. If you go with 2 250's just keep your more demanding species closer to the center of the lights. The amount of coverage your lights provide will depend on the reflector and the distance above the tank, but in general it is good to have one bulb per 2' of tank. Since you have an in-between length you could go either way, but since you want SPS and clams I'd go with 3 bulbs. JMO

 

[Josh Weber]

i would say 2 250's. if you had three 175s there would be a shadow in your tank, but thats not a big deal. the 2 250's would be cheaper, and if money isn't a prob i would put three or even four halides on there. you can never over iluminate sps. i have a 56 gallon and a 250 over the center. i keep sps and they do great. but the good thing about MH is that at the end, 2 or 3 lights, it will look and do great!!
josh

 

[herpsandreefs]

thanks, I think I'm going to go with three 250's, easier to just do it now than later.

 

[Josh Weber]

good call.
josh

 

[Meloco14]

I agree, you are making a great decision.