150w hqi or 250hqi??

[Deranged-Jester]

howdy all,
im setting up a 20g h w/ a 18g h refuge. i have kept salt for about 3 years now and wanna dabble in sps. my question is should i go for a 150w hqi or 250hqi. the tank is 16 inches deep.
thank you

 

[Capt_Cully]

150 should be plenty, but if you forsee an upgrade anytime soon, a 250 would be more practicle. You'd have to keep it higher off the water I would think.

 

[Azial]

I will second that, the 150 Watt should be fine, if you plan on upgrading anytime soon, go for the 250 and hang it.

 

[SquidHC]

The 250w could cause some temperature issues where as the 150w probably wouldnt.

 

[Deranged-Jester]

i dont plan on upgrading any time soon. years from now if that. but will it be enough for acro's. i know monti wont be a prob. im just concerned about the more light greedy sps

 

[dorkfish3]

Id still go 250 and hang it like 18" from the water. do you have heat issues now? anyway since they are the same price a 250 would be better in case of an upgrade. I know you say you arent planning on it, but you never know, hah.. good luck

 

[Azial]

It's probably a sin to say this but bigger is better for Metal Halides but you have to think about where you are placing it. if taller 12" it will cast light unless in a hood. It's up to you.

 

[jasontg99]

I agree with everyone else, 150 would be fine, but 250 is better. As squid said, just watch those temps.