2x150w better than 1x250w?

[Cody Ray]

Pretty simply question. I have a 29 gallon that I am working on converting to a BB sps reef system. Currently it has a Coralife 150W hang-on pendent. Instead of replacing this with a 250W system, could I simply supplement my current light with another hang-on pendent? This would provide better coverage and I could set each on timers so that it could recreate the movements of the sun from east to west. One on in the morning, both on for the day, and the other on in the afternoon. It would be cheaper to simply buy another hang-on pendent that a 250W system, though bulb changes would be more expensive than a single 250W. However, it would be easier (plus IMO more effective coverage) because I would be able to absorb the price of replacment bulbs by saving money throughout the year.

 

[Wiskey]

I would much rather have 2*150 because the light spread would be better and the tank would be more evenly lit. (one pendit no matter the watage really only covers a 2*2 area properly IMHO)

The down side is bulb replacement like you mentioned, and there are more bulb options for the 250's, but I am a 10K kind of guy so that would not be a problem for me.

Whiskey

 

[Cody Ray]

I just thought about this, but having 2 lower wattage bulbs makes bulb replacment simpler. Often times when one bulb is replaced it is like putting corals under totally different lighting which really stresses them. However with 2 bulbs one can be replaced then a month or so later the other replaced.

 

[MiddletonMark]

What's the dimensions of the tank?

 

[RichConley]

I dont think either is really needed, a 29 is a tiny tank. 30x12x18 I think.

I run a single 250 on my 58, I think a single 150 would be fine on a 29.

(my brother runs a 175 on his 20L, and is fine)

 

[MiddletonMark]

If barely over 24", IMO one MH would be good.

If 36" or over, I'd consider 2 MH's.

 

[mntl]

2x150 for the spread. but either will get the job done, it will be easier to get uniform color and avoid shaded spots when things are colony sized with the 2x150. jmo

-John-

 

[Cody Ray]

That was another thing I was thinking about John

I think a single 150 would be fine on a 29.

That is what I was previously running, nothing lasted very long.

 

[MiddletonMark]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7052562#post7052562 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ChinChek787
That is what I was previously running, nothing lasted very long.

Do you mean you had stuff die on you, or ??

 

[Cody Ray]

Yes, and my nitrates were at zero and my phosphates were undetectable. At first I though maybe my test kits were giving me bad info, so I took a sample down to Aquatouch (lfs) and had them test it. They had the same readings I did. My calcium and alk were great as well. Temp was always around 78-80 and my pH was around 8.2 daytime and 8.0 nightime. Turnover rate was around 50xph.

 

[UFreefer]

i've got a single 250w on my 30g and does great

 

[lgoins]

If you're going all sps, probably should go with the 250 just because there are no limits. I have a 150w coralife pendant over my 29g mixed reef (about 10 different sps) and I have to say, that I almost think I need a 250.