MH advise needed

[JMsAquarium]

Hi,

I just bought an AGA 120 gal, dim are 48x24x24 with one center brace in the middle. I will put around 6" DSB which will give me 18" of depht approx.

I want to light it with 2 electronic IceCap MH ballasts and 2 actinic VHOs. I am really hesitating in which MH ballast to get 250W or 400W?
Thanks for your input. I'd like to order the ballasts very soon.

JM

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi,

If you are wanting the IceCap 400, you may have a little bit of a wait. Last I heard they were not shipping, and working out a few problems with them. The 250 IC is rock solid, and I would highly recommend it. What is going to be your main focus on corals in the tank? Knowing that I can give a better recommendation on a setup.

Jeremy

 

[JMsAquarium]

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I am still a newbie at SW. This is my first SW tank and I am still setting it up. All I can tell so far is that in time, I'd like to put some corals such as acros, leathers, maybe some zoos, an anemone or two, and a few clams. Sorry I can't be more specific. I have yet to learn about corals and their needs.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Since you are just venturing into the hobby, I would recommend the 250's. They will produce enough light to allow you to keep pretty much anything you want as far as the light demanding animals go (with respect to where you place some of them), but at the same time not be too much light for a lot of the corals you are going to begin with, such as softies/lps. You are probably not going to have any heat issues with the 250's either, as that may be a problem if you go the 400W route.

On another note, "Aquarium Corals" by Eric Borneman is a really good book to pick up. It talks about the majority of corals that are available in the trade, giving a brief description of them, husbandry, etc...... It also goes into brief detail about coral diseases, water chemistry, current, lighting, etc, etc......you kinda get the point. HTH

 

[JMsAquarium]

Yes, I am going to buy that book. Several people recommend it and I am looking forward to read it.
Thanks again for your sound advise. I appreciate your time and input.

JM :wavehand: