37G Cube/Column setup questions

[SMS76]

I am thinking about setting up cube/column setup and have few lighting questions

Tank size is 20 x 18 x 24. I am thinking about doing LPS and softy with few clams. Considering 175 MH retro with no actinics and with either 14K or 15K bulb to get some blue.

Questions:
-> Will 14K/15K 175W SE MH be enough for this tank size for LPS and softy?
-> What are your thoughs on this retro (E-Ballast)?
http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=18404&cat=0&page=1

http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=18412&cat=0&page=1

They offer XM 15K with retro. Will that be suffiecient?

-> Should i look in to 250MH instead of 175MH? If so will heating be an issue?

I am going to build the canopy and bulbs will be 6-8 inches higher. I will also install a fan in the canopy

 

[Lpabsolute]

please delete

 

[SurfatC3G]

I have heard the XM15 is among the worse PAR producing bulbs available. I own a 37 cube and I love it. I will be starting a thread in a week or so after I get everything looking how I want it. I have a 150w DE Pheonix 14k bulb and everything seems happy. I only have softies in there at the moment though. I will probably go with a 10k bulb soon for some more power along with some actinics. I will add you as a buddy so I can send you the link when I post it.

 

[SMS76]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8220205#post8220205 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SurfatC3G
I have heard the XM15 is among the worse PAR producing bulbs available. I own a 37 cube and I love it. I will be starting a thread in a week or so after I get everything looking how I want it. I have a 150w DE Pheonix 14k bulb and everything seems happy. I only have softies in there at the moment though. I will probably go with a 10k bulb soon for some more power along with some actinics. I will add you as a buddy so I can send you the link when I post it.

Sounds good, please keep me posted.

 

[SurfatC3G]

I just reread that and I did not mean to say "Worse" lol. Worst is what I meant. I will keep you posted.