New SPS BB 180 - Lighting dilemma

[panic]

I love lots of light. I have 2 400se 12k Reeflux and 1 250de XM 10k over my 75. I am happy with the color and growth on my 50+ sps and couple of LPS

In my new 180 BB reef:
I can't decide if I want to use the 2 400se and 2 250de. The 400s on the ends and the 250s in the middle - OR - 3 400s and then use one 250 on each of 2 frag tanks - I have all of these lights already. The other 400se is on a 50gal Rubbermaid prop tank. The other 250de is still in the box.

I don't care about fast growth, I prefer color and density. The leftover light will go in the frag tank.

what do you folks think? From experience or theory...

 

[Purple Haze]

Depends on what you're keeping too. (tables, encrusting, plating, etc) If electricity isn't an issue, and your stock is acclimated, 400's.

 

[Julio]

since you love lots of light, i would go with 400 on your main tank and use the 250 on your prop tank.

 

[elephen]

Panic-

Why didn't you just call me?

Personally I would go with straight 400w SE's across. Tomorrow or Wednesday when I swing by we can talk more about it.

 

[jackson6745]

Panic, 3x250w SE 10k XM on icecap MH ballasts + 3 URI VHO actinics.
JBNY uses this setup and a few other guys local to me as well. They all have AWESOME color.

 

[panic]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6788465#post6788465 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Purple Haze
Depends on what you're keeping too. (tables, encrusting, plating, etc) If electricity isn't an issue, and your stock is acclimated, 400's.

I have a few of each. My favorites are in the frag tank, lots from ReeferMadness and local reefers. I have a 400se Reeflux 12k and 48" VHO Superactinics over them, and they are super happy.

 

[panic]

It seems that people are steering away from de. Are they better for a prop system? I hope so, because it sounds like I might be stealing my 400se from my prop tank to put over my display. So I'll have 2 250de's with 10k xms

 

[elephen]

Go with SE ontop of your tank.