175 watt vs 250 watt

[DownwardDawg]

Ok, I asked this question in an earler thread, and while I got a few great replies, I was hoping for more opinions. This site is where I do all of my research before making any decisions. I'm setting up a 125 gal tank. 72"x18"x20". I have decided to go with the Hamilton Technology retrofit (3 halides and 4 T5's for actinics). Thanks pmrossetti!!!! I may also add some stunner strips (403nm).

http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/i...-Halide-&-4-39-Watt-HO-T5-Super-Actinics-1863

I have a hood on my tank so space is one of my concerns along with heat. This will be somewhat of a mixed reef. I love my big leathers but am mostly partial to LPS. However, I do definitely want some SPS for color. Not SPS dominant by any means, but I will have some. Anyway, I can't make up my mind between 175's and 250's. I know these reflectors aren't that great, so I'm keeping that in mind. I will purchase some individual reflectors for the T5's to help also. I want to have plenty of light, keep the electrical cost to a minimum, and manage the heat as best as possible. Any and all help will be appreciated!!!

 

[nanojg]

The 15k Iwasaki 175 watt halides are the pound for pound Par champion for halides. The color is also great, a true 15k color. That bulb should be great for leathers and sps, however, lps might struggle a bit. If its too much the xm 20k 175 is a decent bulb too. That being said, I would do 175 watt halides, especially in a 20" deep tank.

 

[DownwardDawg]

Thanks!

 

[nanojg]

Also go with electronic ballasts.

 

[DownwardDawg]

Oh definitely electronic ballasts.

 

[DownwardDawg]

Bump for more input. I'm getting closer now. Ordered the skimmer and started the plumbing. Should put water in later this month. Also, I'm thinking of VHO's with the halides because I love the look. So keep that in mind when reccommending 175's or 250's. Thanks everyone!

 

[DownwardDawg]

bump

 

[cody6766]

My 30 cube is 20" deep and a 175 with spider reflector and t5 help was plenty of light. I actually noticed happier lps and softies with a 175 vs 250. I ran both for some time and went back to the 175 in the end. I'm back to a 250w over the same tank, but new set up. I wanted a radium bulb and am offseting the intensity by using a DIY lumenarc mini that's made from normal aluminium instead of reflector material.

So, long story short, I'd go 175 if not using radiums. If you use radiums, use crappy reflectors to lower PAR in the tank. Your mileage may vary though...

 

[DownwardDawg]

My 30 cube is 20" deep and a 175 with spider reflector and t5 help was plenty of light. I actually noticed happier lps and softies with a 175 vs 250. I ran both for some time and went back to the 175 in the end. I'm back to a 250w over the same tank, but new set up. I wanted a radium bulb and am offseting the intensity by using a DIY lumenarc mini that's made from normal aluminium instead of reflector material.

So, long story short, I'd go 175 if not using radiums. If you use radiums, use crappy reflectors to lower PAR in the tank. Your mileage may vary though...

Great info! Thanks a bunch.

 

[karsseboom]

Radiums are the way to go. 175 leave you with very few bulbs to choose from. With radium you need an hair ballast though

 

[mussel and hate]

I've been using MH since the 1980's and over the years I've tried every popular lamp. The Iwasaki aqua2 is my favorite 175W. It has a crisp white color with a slight blue tint which I find to be quite pleasing as do any corals I've kept from softies to SPS. I recommend this bulb with no reservations.

Here is a link to an oldish yet still relevant comparison: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/review

Take note of the PPFD efficiency. This lamp is in a league of it's own.

 

[DownwardDawg]

Radiums are the way to go. 175 leave you with very few bulbs to choose from. With radium you need an hair ballast though

What's an hair ballast?

 

[Amoore311]

I went with 250's due to bulb options alone.

I'm sure a 175 Watt Set Up would punch the PAR down far enough for you though.

 

[Amoore311]

What's an hair ballast?

Not exactly sure.... But what I think he was trying to get across was that Radiums are single ended bulbs only!

Radiums do not come in Double Ended HQI set up.

 

[DownwardDawg]

I've been using MH since the 1980's and over the years I've tried every popular lamp. The Iwasaki aqua2 is my favorite 175W. It has a crisp white color with a slight blue tint which I find to be quite pleasing as do any corals I've kept from softies to SPS. I recommend this bulb with no reservations.

Here is a link to an oldish yet still relevant comparison: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/review

Take note of the PPFD efficiency. This lamp is in a league of it's own.

Very good info. That Iwasaki rocks.

 

[DownwardDawg]

I may go with a retro-kit from another vendor and get the Lumatek Select-A-Watt ballast. I can order it to come with a 250 watt bulb and socket. That way, I can use 175 watt or 250 watt bulbs. That may be my best route.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Depends on the color of bulb you prefer.

I used to have 2*175 + 2*96 PC (( a Hamilton full fixture )) over my 58, I wanted/preferred a bluer look than I was getting from the Iwasaki bulbs. So, I switched to some 175 watt 20,000K XMs, liked the look but was too dim for me. Switched to 2 Galaxy 250 ballasts and never looked back.

 

[karsseboom]

It was a typo. HQI ballast is what you need, like an m80.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Radiums work quite with with the Galaxy electronic ballast -- a lot of people use that combo.

 

[cody6766]

I have my radiums burning on a PFO M80 ballast and they're not quite as blue as the ones I saw running on an electronic ballast (galaxy, I think). This trend has been documented among many users over the years. I plan on VHO actinic supp. for mine as I like a little more pop. The bulb is simply beautiful though.