would this be TOO much light?

[McSierra]

I have a 44g Hex that I'm going to be making a canopy for...

My question is what setup should I go for?

I have two ballast at the moment that can power a 175w each... Should I use both or sell one of them?

Here is what I'm thinking I can do:

[list=1]
ONE 175 Watt MH / ONE 24" Actinic 75 Watt VHO by URI = 5.68 WPG
ONE 175 Watt MH / TWO 24" Actinic 75 Watt VHO by URI = 7.38 WPG
TWO 175 Watt MH / ONE 24" Actinic 75 Watt VHO by URI = 9.65 WPG
TWO 175 Watt MH / TWO 24" Actinic 75 Watt VHO by URI = 11.36 WPG
[/list=1]

What do I plan to keep..?

Clowns and Hosts...

[slipknottin]

Use as much as you can fit.

[traveller7]

IMHO go with a single Iwasaki and dual URI's. Even NO URI's will be enough to balance the eye color. My rose BTA's in a 60gal keep their color/growth quite nicely.

Save the power and the cooling challenges for others.

[aquatic-store.com]

Ditto to the above comment!!:)

[johnrags1234]

400w radium. On an ELECTRONIC ballast.

John

[easttn]

heh? John, what electronic ballast for a 400 Radium? Sorry to butt in Mr. Sierra. ;)

[SurferStevo]

I didn't vote because I'm not sure how deep or wide a 44hex is.
If it's taller go with higher wattage bulbs. If it's wider - increase the number of bulbs.

[RooFish]

Seems like we mostly agree to 2 actinics, but its the mhs that are the problem.

One would probably be fine, since having 2 won't add a whole lot of intensity. Mostly using more MHs is used when there is more surface area to cover, so over a hex one would probably be fine. By putting both, you might get a little benefit, but probably not as much as selling it and spending the money on equipment to keep the water quality higher.

Just my opinion, 1 mh and 2 VHOs

[lllosingit]

I have a 38gallon hex(24" deep) and with a 175 watt 10K pendant about 2" off the water, It bright near the top but dim near the bottom.
I voted dual 175 but I really think a single 250 would be better and cheaper in the long run.