MH over a 250 gal reef.

[pwhitby]

Hi all,

I currently have a 250 gal tank, dimensions are 6 feet long 24 wide and 30 deep. It has lots of SPS doing quite nicely under 1,100 w of VHO. However, I am thinking of upgrading to MH and wanted a few opinions.

Options are....

2 400W at either end with a less intense, maybe 175 in the center. This is due to a glass center brace across the tank. The brace is about a foot wide, a real pain in the nether regions.

or

2 250W with a 175 center.

Will the the 400s be too bright for the mix of SPS and softies I have ? Will the 250s penetrate deep enough?

Any thoughts, ideas suggestions?

TIA.

Paul.

[David Grigor]

If your serious into SPS, and like the Higer K bulbs such as 10K or 20K then 400Wers. I personally would skip the 250W unless your going with 65K Iwasakis. Higher K you better off stepping to 400W.......

Towards the center and under the glass brace should be fine for your lower light corals. The lower half under the 400W should be fine for LPS and/or Softies......


I personally perfer evenly spread light across the tank. The glass brace will make it dimmer in the middle already. Going with a lower wattage will make it even more obvious.

[David Grigor]

If your serious into SPS, and like the Higer K bulbs such as 10K or 20K then 400Wers. I personally would skip the 250W unless your going with 65K Iwasakis. Higher K you better off stepping to 400W.......

Towards the center and under the glass brace should be fine for your lower light corals. The lower half under the 400W should be fine for LPS and/or Softies......

[mracroman]

I agree with David, I have 4x400 watt 20k on a 240, also the dimensions that you stated is for a 225 not a big deal of coarse I used to have that exact size tank that is how I know.

[pwhitby]

With 400W over the center brace, which is glass, wouldnt you worry about cracking of the glass?

How high woyuld you place the bulbs above the glass ?

Thanks,

Paul.

[David Grigor]

I had 400W over arcylic brace on my 190g before I upgraded.
The acrylic was pretty hot to the touch but not unbearable. I would think the glass would be a bit more tolerant of temps.

Providing the MH is a reasonable distance say minimum 6-8" above and some type of air movement shouldn't be an issue.