lighting dilemma, advice appreciated

[reefrad]

Right now I have a 48" 8 bulb ATI PM over a 90G (48x18x24)SPS tank. In 3 weeks I am upgrading to a 180G (72x24x24) also SPS. I have the opportunity to buy 2 400W hamilton SE pendants with new radiums and a dual 400W hamilton PFO ballast for only 200 dollars.

the pros of the ATI fixture over the 180G are good coverage for lets say 55-60" and of course it will only run me 432 watts which means less heat and less electricity.

meanwhile the MH will give me much better coverage, shimmer but will be draining me 1100 watts which means almost 3 times more electricity without factoring in the need for more AC time.

any thoughts?

 

[Felixc395]

I wonder if just getting a 24" ATI PM on the end would throw things out of balance. But if the PAR was continuous... That would be your easiest option. Otherwise, selling your PM for two 36" T5's isn't a bad option either.

But if you want to save money and prefer metal halide, I see nothing wrong with that route, as long as you can keep the heat under control.