175 or 250's

[scottwhitson]

Hello I have decided to upgrade to metal halides on my tank. It is 18 inches deep and I want to be able to keep a wide variety of SPS, LPS and everything in between. I haven't decided between 2 250 metal halides or 2 175 metal halides there will also be between 200-250 watts of PC's with them. Any advice would be great. I have heard that 2-250 would be too much light but then others say no light is too much. HELP PLEASE!!

[James77]

2-175's will be more than enough for that tank.

[sunfishh]

I suppose it depends on what type of invertebrates you are going to keep

[scottwhitson]

Thanks James77. Anyone else out there, as I said sunfishh I would like to be able to keep a wide variety including clams and any sps. There have to be more opinions out there/

[rutz81]

I have a 75 G Tank, and I use 175's. My tank is 20", I think... It is enough light, IMO, although I'm sure my growth isn't as quick as others with 250's. You have to weigh the pro's/con's. 250's= more light,but, more heat and more electricity. 175's=little less light, less electricity, less heat. My suggestion is to get 175W 15K Iwasaki with a good reflector like Lumenarc's or something.

[rutz81]

I am able to keep SPS anywhere in my tank, except shaded area on the bottom. Which, IMO works out o.k., because that's where I put any zoo's/LPS, ricordia.

[scottwhitson]

thanks rutz81

[markandkristen]

im using 175s on my tank.. it also depends on the kelvin.
i personally am a big 14k fan.

with only 18" deep you would be set. another reason most sps are kept in the middle or towards the top . my clams are about mid ways down = bottom for your tank

and if you can spring it i would go ice cap ballast all the way. thier cheaper to run , smaller ballast , and longer lasting

[Shiandy]

I'm sure 175's would be fine, even 150's would be ok. The only reason I'd go with 250's is, if the depth of the tank was 24" or more.

Also less watts means less heat.

[theatrus]

Since I run 250Ws on such a tank, I can say 175Wers are just fine ;)

[scottwhitson]

Thanks people I just bought the 175's W/4 65Watt PC's and moonlights they will be here tommorow. Thanks a bunch.