150w, 250w, or 400w HQI MH

[whyamisofly]

I mistakenly placed an order for a 150w HQI + 4 T5 fixture for my 60g rimless (24x24x24).

I had originally planned on ordering the 250w version, but was in a hurry and clicked on the wrong one. The order has already shipped, so I can't swap out the stock model.

With that being said, I know that I can swap out the HQI connectors/ballast and upgrade to 250w or 400w with no ill effects (just a lighter wallet).

I would like to be able to keep anything I want - from softies and LPS to SPS, and would prefer my light not to be the limiting factor.


SO, with all of that said, would 400w HQI be too much for the tank? Would 150w HQI be sufficient?

Thoughts and comments!??!

 

[Japsican]

What type of fixture did you order? You could get away with a 150W, but I think that you'd be limited on coral placement, especially if you want SPS. If you wanted a 250W originally, you'll probably always wish you had the 250 and end up upgrading anyway.

I ran a single 150W over my 28G Nanocube when I had it. Dimensions were slightly smaller, but I grew everything just fine with correct coral placement.

Can't just let them know that you ordered the wrong fixture and deny the package? Prob be cheaper and easier than trying to modify your new fixture to accept 250W.

 

[whyamisofly]

Giesemann Infiniti

The reason I even stated 400w (which might be WAY too much power) was because I can pick up ballast locally for cheap.

 

[Japsican]

Awesome, congrats. I actually just set up a Giesemann Spectra 250W about a week ago! Is it an adjustable ballast that could run 250W? Could you even run a 400W lamp or fit the connectors/bulb into that reflector? I'm not familiar with the 400W bulb size vs 150W DE.

I'm running the Spectra over my 36"x30"x18"H, but the SE 250 Reflector is a lot bigger than the infiniti reflector. I think 250W would be best for what you want, but 400W may work if you can get a 400W bulb in there. If you ran 400W, you'd probably be more concerned with the placement of lower light corals.

 

[whyamisofly]

Based on your comments and comments I am reading on other sites, 250w will be my best option.

400w would fit, but people have voiced concerns about heat dissipation.

 

[Japsican]

Yea, I agree, 250W would be your best option. 150W may not be enough, and 400W would be overkill.