250W halide overkill?

[Mouse]

Im currently setting up a 125g. My desired setup will be LPS, Softies, a few fish, Monti's and 'mabey' a few SPS and clams.
With the LPS/Softies being the main in the tank would 175W be better than 250W Halides? This isnt about cost of equipt, or possible upgrades down the line, but about not going to bright for the animals.
TY

 

[xdusty6920]

250w mh's will do fine as well as you place your corals accordingly. (sps high, most lps mid range, and lower light coral at the bottum) obviously. i have 2 of them over a 55g tank which is 90% lps 10% sps/softys and all is and always has been well with them. yes things will survive and some will thrive but i think youll find 175w over a 125g very limiting.

 

[Ti]

never too much for a tank that size

 

[steveo32]

Yeah I have the same tank and am in the process of converting to 2 250s and 0ne 175. Depending on the way you set your corals will determine how you set yours lights. IE my tnak has two reef pillars on either end so that where I am putting hte 250's. The center is open space w/ no corals so for that I will only use the 175.

 

[Gargausius]

Montiporas will grow but not thrive under 250W halides. This coral is very light demanding. Even more so than many Acros at times. Soft corals will thrive under 250W halides. Just acclimate them properly to intense lighting because many times they were kept under much less intense lighting at the pet stores. Place accordingly too. Leather Mushrooms can actually take quite a bit light. Some grow in the same areas of the reefs as do some Acros!

For clams, your 250's are fine. I like to go 400W on those though. I see a big difference in the health of the animal under much more intense lighting. Again acclimate to lighting.

But for the most part it's all about knowing your animal and placing them accordingly.