400w or 250w

[DeepBlueZoas]

I have a 120 gallon 48" x 24" x 24".
I want to have an acro dominated tank. Thing is I already have 2 400w coralvue ballasts and lumen max reflectors but still need to choose a bulb. What would be the pros and con's of using 250w bulbs over 400w on this size tank? Might be able to get a whole 250w set up for almost the same price as 2 400w radiums.

 

[Reel North]

On a 24" deep tank you would be fine with 250 w. Radiums overdriven with magnetic ballasts produce almost the same watts as 400w radiums.

I've been doing the T5 experiment, and although I'm happy with them, I'm beginning to consider switching back to radiums or 14k bulbs.

 

[jda]

Smoke 'em if you got 'em. You cannot blast acros with too much good light.

250w is definitely enough, so 400 will be even better.

 

[SaltyMember]

+1 on 250 watts being plenty of light.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bdial]

I see a new Cebu sun fixture in your future

 

[Reef Bass]

On a 24" deep tank you would be fine with 250 w. Radiums overdriven with magnetic ballasts produce almost the same watts as 400w radiums.

Just to be accurate, watts are a measure of power consumed (volts x amps), and 250w and 400w bulbs consume different amounts of power, period. What one can achieve with 250w bulbs and an efficient reflector is the same amount of PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) as 400w bulbs with a less efficient reflector.

My tank is 60x24x24 (100g) and I use 400w 20,000K Radiums.

 

[ct_vol]

Smoke 'em if you got 'em. You cannot blast acros with too much good light.

250w is definitely enough, so 400 will be even better.

:lolspin:

I agree with the above statement. If you don't mind the higher electric bill and can compensate for the additional heat, go 400w. I went from 400w to LEDs and then back to 250's. When I set up my chiller again I'll likely switch back to 400's.

 

[Fish Everywhere]

+1 to everyone, 250 will surely be enough but 400 will be better.

Not to be too off topic, but if you decide to go with 250, a good 8 bulb t5 unit should produce nearly, if not the same or more par.

On a side note, Reef Bass, your tank is 150 gallons if that is in inches

 

[Piper27]

I agree, if you can deal with the heat go for 400w. I always start with 250's and end up going back to 400w. Right now I am running two 400w 12k over a 3' cube thats 24" deep and have 4 t5's and 60 blue leds for supplements. Like stated above you can not hit Acros with too much good halide light, if acclimated appropriately. The 400w bulbs spread the light and look to be giving me better coverage as well. 250's work great but 400's give even more growth/health.

 

[Reef Bass]

On a side note, Reef Bass, your tank is 150 gallons if that is in inches

Thanks Fish Everywhere. Your math is correct and I misspoke. My 100g is 60x24x16.

 

[C.Eymann]

If heat and power consumption are not going to be 9ncluded in the equation. 400's for sure. 250 will be fine, but echoing what everyone else is saying 400s will be better.

 

[ReefBum]

400W Radiums have been the ticket for me over the years.

 

[DeepBlueZoas]

Thanks for all the replies and great input everyone.

Your responses are helping make it a lot easier to decide.
I also just received a TR-20 chiller which will also steer me towards using 400w.

 

[DeepBlueZoas]

400W Radiums have been the ticket for me over the years.

Hey ReefBum what ballast or two would you recommend or have had the best success with using the 400w radium.