MH Suggesstions?

[3twenty5]

MY tank is 36x18x22, I will be keeping everything form LPS, SPS and softies. What would be the best light setup for me, I was thinking of going with 2 Metal Halides and 2 Ice Cap VHOS'. I know i wnat to run 10k German Ushio bulbs, I just do not know if I should get 2 x 175's or 2x 250's. I also wanted to go with the new Ice Cap ballasts or Blueline for space issues I am having in my stand.

 

[jasonfrey]

Hi,

Sounds like we have almost the same tank, i have a 58 gallon Oceanic Show, i think it's the same dimensions.

I have some good feedback for you. On my tank, i went with a PFO acro light that had the Icecap 250watt hqi 10K and 2 - blue VHO's. It looks very nice, but i think it could use a little more.

On Jeremy's office tank, a 46 gallon bow. They went with 2x250watt and 2VHO's and it's really bright. He is all SPS, so his tank really needed that extra 250 light.

On my tank, the 1x250 and VHO's i think is going to be enough for a mixed tank, i'll put SPS and clams near the center and softies on the sides. So for mixed, the 1 halide is a good idea. I kinda of wish i would of went with 2x250 or 1x400 now though.

So for your tank, i would recommend either the 1x250 w/vho if you want a little bit of everything, or 2x250 w/vho if you want to concentrate more on sps and clams, still can have softies, but keep them lower in the tank.

thanks

jason

 

[3twenty5]

So then I should go 2x250 instead of 2x175's? You think it would make sense if i want to keep everything to go with 2x1752? How are the new Ice Cap ballasts...I am weary becuase of there previous problems and was thinking of goign with a blueline, but I like the size of the Ice Cap

 

[jasonfrey]

Hi,

I think i would stick with 250watt. 175watt i think is too weak for sps and clams, but still works. We probably sell more 250 and 400watt these days then anything else.

The newIcecap 250 is very solid, i don't think we have had one single problem with them yet. There 400 has some problems, but the 150, 175 and 250 new style are good. Not like there older style that had quite a few issues. So i would highly recommend it. Eballast is very good too, probably another 4 weeks wait on those though.

thanks

jason