150w or 250w Metal Halide

[Jordani]

I have a 13 inch tall aquarium that is 45 gallons. Will acros and stylos thrive under a 150w metal halide 14k or 20k. The metal halide will be 6 inches to a foot from the surface of the water.

 

[t4zalews]

how long is it..I had 2x150w 14k phenoix on my 65g and i grew SPS on from the middle area to the top. that was on a 25" high tank. So 13" would be a good height for 150W.

 

[reefer31]

If you want it to be that high and want a higher kelvin bulb I would go with a 250w 20k, or even a blue 14k like the phoenix bulbs. I had a 250w over my standard 29 gallon and the acros were great under the stock current 14k bulb and then I switched to 12k reeflux. You might get away with a 14k bulb that high off the water and have it only be a 150w.

 

[Jordani]

how long is it..I had 2x150w 14k phenoix on my 65g and i grew SPS on from the middle area to the top. that was on a 25" high tank. So 13" would be a good height for 150W.

The 45 gallon tank is 36 inches long 24 inches wide and 13 inches tall.

If you want it to be that high and want a higher kelvin bulb I would go with a 250w 20k, or even a blue 14k like the phoenix bulbs. I had a 250w over my standard 29 gallon and the acros were great under the stock current 14k bulb and then I switched to 12k reeflux. You might get away with a 14k bulb that high off the water and have it only be a 150w.

I also wanted to grow some acans and other LPS so thats why I want it a little higher.

 

[Darkstar22]

I would go with the 250. It doesn't cost that much more, and would be great for SPS in your tank.

 

[mutateddogbone]

reflector, reflector, reflector.....

if i were you, i would go with the 250 and get a really good reflector like lumenbrite or lumenmax elite

 

[buy_baff]

250w 20k

 

[t4zalews]

I'd go 250w if you're only using one...and get a good reflector. I'd suggest a lumenarc for the 36"

 

[allsps40]

I have 2 150s over my 40 breeder and I keep mostly sps. I am thinking about switching to a single 250 though. Sps just do better under 250s. But i have had good growth with my 150s.

 

[mike_cmu04]

i agree go with the 250's and a good reflecter.

 

[prodman]

I would go with the 150w. I use 2 150w over my 120xl with great growth and color.

 

[gokarter88]

+ 1 on the 250 more bang for your buck. plus if you get the 150 soon after that you will want to upgrade thats how it goes. Haha

 

[Stanley-Reefer]

13" deep 250w would be a waste IMO no probs with 2 150s in my 90 and it's way deeper than 13"--plus you can run DE phoenix or radiums in 150

 

[CleveYank]

I would order some meanwells and some blue and white crees and some heatsink and some metal aluminum stock and a rivet tool and build a an LED array.