250W or 400W for 24" deep tank

[KingBlingTx]

I'm curious what the general consensus on lighting would be for the new tank I am planning. It will be 72"x28"x24". I've been planning on going with 3 400W MH + T5 Actinics. After so much reading on lighting, I'm beginning to wonder if 400W might be too much for that depth. I plan on keeping primarily SPS. What's the verdict?

 

[jhascher]

Hi,
I'm running 250W MH on mine, same depth. SPS do look fine. You also have to consider temperature issues. 400W is a lot.

Cheers
Jan

 

[nanoguy]

If electricity cost is not an issue I'd go with the 400's. I ran a 400 watt Radium in a 19" deep tank and everything was colored up very well. I currently run a 250 Radium and I can say my colors are not as bright anymore. I am contemplating on switching back to the 400 watter.

 

[Kshack]

My tank is 72X36X25. I went with 400 in the center, and 250 on each end. Gives more options for coral placement (LPS, chalice, etc.). Another option....get the select-a-what and then you could change from 250 to 400 or back whenever you want..

 

[mutateddogbone]

take into count bulb manufacturers, reflectors, bulb type, ballasts and color temp.

a good 250w can put out the same PAR as a crappy 400w setup

 

[5h3rW1N]

take into count bulb manufacturers, reflectors, bulb type, ballasts and color temp.

a good 250w can put out the same PAR as a crappy 400w setup

thats correct. btw how high above the water are you planning to keep the lights?

 

[KingBlingTx]

They will probably be 10-12" above the water-line.

Thanks for the feedback. I definitely like the idea of getting the selectable wattage ballast so I can change if needed.

 

[mutateddogbone]

i personally like the pheonix 14K bulbs. the 14K pheonix HQI give off alot of blue and still have the good color temp for growth. pair that up with lumenbright reflectors and a controllable ballast and you got one hell of a setup.

3 250w 14k pheonix would look great on your setup. if you go with 400's be prepared to shell out the clams for your electricity bill, chiller, and the more expensive ballasts

 

[badmotorfinger7]

I run 3 400 w in the center and 2 250w on the outsides of my tank, all on the same ballasts with luminbrite reflectors all the same brand bulbs on my 24 deep tank. The 400 waters are much more bright allowing me to place light loving corals virtually anywhere I want.