MH 250 or 400?

[MarkD40]

I am planning to upgrade to MH. My 110 gallon display is 30 inches deep. one side has rock up to about 12" from the surface, the other side of the tank has rock about 20" deep. I have LPS and mushrooms, BTA on the bottom. Would 250 watts be enough light?

I really don't want to run a dedicated electrical circuit to my display if I went with 400 watts X 2 but I would do it if it was necessary. Comments please.

 

[MarkD40]

OOps/ That would be two 250 watt bulbs, not one!

 

[kevin gu3]

I have a 2 foot deep 90 ga with a single 400w 10k on a light rail. With 10k bulbs I would recommend 2 250w, not 2 400w. However, if you want to go with 20k bulbs the 400's might be better.

For cost calcs, be aware that 400 vs 250 may push you to needing a chiller.

 

[MarkD40]

Thanks kevin. Yeah I was also concerned about heat.

 

[51504reef]

lights

lights

I would consider what corals you plan on keeping. If your going strictly SPS-go with 400 watters. If your tank is going to be mixed you can run 250 watters and keep the SPS high and LPS etc. on the bottom. I believe you would be happy with 250's but if you want better growth rates, don't mind the higher elec. costs, heat issues, 400's would be ideal.