how much wattage?

[Ben485]

i'm getting an outer orbit 72" MH w/ the actinics and the lunar lights. my question is do i need the 150W or the 250W(10000K). i want to grow everything. that is to say, i don't what to be limited on what i can grow. i like lps the best, but also want to grow sps. as well as having clams. oh my tanks is 24" deep.(standard 125) what would you guys recommend? can you mix and match kilven ratings? all info will be greatly appricated. i can't spell sorry!
thanks
ben

 

[scaryperson27]

250watts and the 125 is 18x18x72 from my understanding.

 

[Ben485]

will too much light burn softies

 

[Ben485]

no it's 72x18x23.something just short of 24" that weird!?

 

[scaryperson27]

I did the math and you're right. I guess my memory is somewhat lacking. With 250 watts of light you should see an increase in coloration in your SPS corals over 150 watters, however your LPS would have to be kept near the bottom due to the fact that they will loose coloration (not health) due to the overload of light if kept near the top.

If you decide to mix and match coloration your tank is going to look like Peewee Hermans playhouse IMO. I would keep your lights all one kelvin rating just for the uniform look that, we are on earth and only have one sun. If you don't know too much about light kelvin ratings bulbs etc. I would check out HelloLights.com Retrofit pendants HQI with a set of 140000 kelvin phoenix bulbs. I recommend these a lot partly due to the fact that it's the best bang for the buck out there.

 

[Ben485]

thanks scary that was helpful

 

[Runfrumu]

I got the 72" outter orbit on my tank. I have the 150's. You'll like the hood, except the mounting legs, they are too short, so I took a day, went in the attic, nailed 2x10's in between rafter's and hung it.

 

[dcall]

I have the 250W 72" and also keep mainly LPS but started SPS and clams after I got it. I would keep the 10K bulbs because the actinics will enhance the colors that you get from the 14K bulbs. The 10K will give you better growth from your corals. I also hung the unit, but just mounted it to my plaster and it is fine.