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mace88

New member
I currently have a 250 de 14k pheonix on a 36x24x24 tank. I currently just have 5 or so sps frags. Will this be enough light for them or should I upgrade to a 400 watt radium or something... Want to get the best color possibly and stuff.
 
I've got a pair of MH's on my 36 x 18 ... IMO better coverage throughout the tank.

IMO, no need for higher wattage. I'd consider 2 MH's ... then focus on water movement and water quality - which IME are equally vital for good results.
 
I think I got movement cover I got my second tunze today and water quality is good.... Just noticed online vendors and other people having 400 halides.
 
IMO you are right on the edge of ok. The wattage is fine but you might have some shaded spots where you can put lower light corals. Otherwise two would work.

Me personally I would do what you are doing now. But an upgrade wouldn't hurt.
 
Perhaps consider a couple 36" VHO actinics or a T-5 actinic/white mix to even it out maybe - provide the light on the edges.
 
why not just do two 250's instead of just a 400. Its alittle bit more watts but you get a more spread out effect. I have the same size tank as you and find that two is better then one. becuase I can keep corals anywhere in the tank not just in the center.
 
with one you will have to place sps right underneath the pendant. I run 2 x 250 but am about to upgrade to 1x400 but am afraid of the heat of a SE 400 watter. I will have to cut open my canopy and install more fans and maybe hookup my chiller. I think my sps will definitely benifit from the added punch from the upgrade though.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6915063#post6915063 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stryker_578
with one you will have to place sps right underneath the pendant. I run 2 x 250 but am about to upgrade to 1x400 but am afraid of the heat of a SE 400 watter. I will have to cut open my canopy and install more fans and maybe hookup my chiller. I think my sps will definitely benifit from the added punch from the upgrade though.

Why on earth would you want to downgrade from 2 to 1 lamp? The 400w isnt going to make that big of a difference accept in a deep tank or in the case of running 20ks. If you have a 24" deep tank or less there is no need for 400w in any other case. If your tank is wider than 3' then 2 halides will do MUCH better than a single 400w. Anything that is near the sides of the tank will get quite a bit less light than they did before, and only the corals right under the 400w will get more light. If you think you need 400w, I think you should go with 2x400w....especially with MH that is very point source... Not only will you have 100w less total power over the tank, but it will be all focused in one area. Not a good idea IMO.
 
Well I might look into just getting another 250 DE... I have the halide pendant raise to about 12' off the water to get the outer sides better. I already have two 36' actinitics... I was just wonder about the 400 because I thought it would pentrate the water better and get the bottom... But I guess I have a crocea on the bottom sand directly under the 250 and it seems to be doing good for last 4 months. No color loss or signs of health issues.
 
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