Lighting Question

[deanp]

Hey Guys,

Im toying with the idea of upgrading my lighting. Currently I have two 250W DE 10k bulbs driven by Icecap ballasts supplemented by 2 110w 4' actinic VHOs. The tank is ~190gallons 52" long, 28" deep and 30" high I have roughly 2" of sand and the halides are ~ 8" above the tank so its around 3' from halides to bottom of the tank. Oh and lastly, currently I have ~ 250lbs of LR and it goes up approx half way up the tank maybe a bit higher. As far as corals I have manly softies and LPS with one clam on the sand bed. Don’t really plan on doing SPS unless I get a small frag here and there.

So my thought is to add one 400w 10k also powered by an icecap blast to the middle of the tank. My hope is to promote more growth and to possibly add another clam or two.

Any thoughts? Also what would a 400w MH due to the electricity bill?

Thanks
Dean

[Scott Merrill]

Originally posted by deanp
....... Also what would a 400w MH due to the electricity bill?




:lol:
Your electric meter may make you dizzy.
Heat may become an issue. What do you have for fans?
400w are notorious for raising water temps to the point of needing a fan in the sump or a chiller.

[wrassefan]

I would think that the 250MH would be enough to reach the bottom.

[deanp]

Scott: Bite me ;) seriously man any idea how much per month?
Also I have 2 computer type fans at each end.

BTW you going to the mtg? If so wanna check out my setup after ?????

[Pen Man]

Since you are already using 250 watt DE why not stay with them? They are about 1/3 more efficent than the 400 watt mogul and according to Sanjay give about the same light. We are running a 125 gallon tank and are having no problems with clams on the bottom with 3 250 watt DE units. We are switching to the Reef Optix III instead of the older PFO for the last two fixtures for the better and cooler operation

[Scott Merrill]

Finance at biotech:

400kwh x 10hrs per day= 4000 x 30 days = 120000 per month
120000 x .000108 (MA average electric) = $12.96

vs
250kwh x 10hrs per day=2500 x 30 days = 75000 per month
75000 x .000108 (MA Average Electric) =8.10

your current lighting is costing you:
250+250+110+110 x 10hrs per day = 7200 x 30days = 216000 per month
216000 x .000108 (again MA average cost) =23.33.

so your bill will go up from 23.33 for lighting to either
400w = 23.33+ 12.96=36.29
250w = 23.33+ 8.10=31.43.

and then theres the heat issue.....
man all this info, i'm starting to feel like Matt Davis Square. :lol:

[deanp]

hee hee hee lazy finance thats why I have analysts

thanks!!!

[Keith Sheridan]

I think before going to the 400w bulbs, you could do one or both of the following;
Add another 250 DE
Lower your lights.

It seems like everything I have heard about 400W is bad. Seems as though 250 DE is the way to go.

Mind you I just have 175W so take it for what it is, hearsay.

[Scott Merrill]

deanp,
i have inland reefs 2x400 watt and 2 250 ab lights.
you welcome to come check out the difference.
the 400 goes back friday (if my lights come by then)