lighting HQi vs Mogul

[hlem]

Hello,

i've just set up a 265 gallon, going to keep SPS and any other corals. I was looking for lighting recommendation.

My tank's dept is 30in.

Not sure what to do. My LFS told me that 250W HQI is just as good as 400W Mogul. Is this true?

So i'm thinking 3-400W mogul or 3x250W HQI. with 4x96W actinic.

What are some recommendation?

Ha

 

[hlem]

also, is the actinic really needed?

thanks

 

[Toddrtrex]

I don't agree with your LFS. If you take the reflectors out of the equation there really shouldn't be any real difference b/t the two.

Do you have an idea of what color temp you prefer? If you were going for all 10K bulbs, 250s (( either DE or SE )) would be fine. But, if you like 20Ks, I would lean towards 400s.

I guess that actinic really isn't needed, but I know that I prefer to have it.

 

[hlem]

I dont really like a lot of blue, so 10K would do? not sure what SE or DE means.

So 3-250W 10k bulbs, how about 14k bulbs, plus 2 to 4 - 96W Actinic? would that be enough if i keep SPS near the bottom of the tank?

 

[Toddrtrex]

DE = Double ended (( for this discussion = HQI ))

SE = single ended/Mogul

If you went with 10Ks, I think you would be fine with the 250s, 14Ks would be borderline with keeping them at the bottom of the tank.

 

[hlem]

so DE or SE dont really make any difference?

and for clams, would those do fine with 250W 10k? and i assume LPS and mushrooms and other soft corals would be fine as well at the bottom of the tank?

Also, checking ebay and other reef store online, does maker of the bulbs really matter? ebay price is around $25, others are like $50 or more.

 

[hlem]

How about this fixture?

light fixture

 

[kretzkiller]

many of the cheap lights on eBay are just that, cheap...you'll end up having to replace the ballast and bulbs in no time. save money and get a good fixture right off the bat.

 

[jhoff]

Chech out the new belize sun by hamilton tech.