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View Full Version : Options with lights.. what should I do


BCOrchidGuy
12-19-2003, 02:02 AM
Okay, I've got 2 48in MH units now.. yeah, so I've got 4 175 watt ballasts and all the hardware. I've also got a 400 watt MH and all the hardware. I'm considering using the 400 at one end of my 90 gallon tank and keeping SPS there, and putting a 175 watt at the other end and keeping softies there. Has anyone tried this? I was thinking of having 400watt 20,000k radium and a 175 watt AB. I'm just wondering if it will look super odd or not as bad as I think.

I could just go to a longer tank and run 3 175s on it but, I'd like to keep bulb replacement costs to a minimum. I'd even consider getting rid of some of the stuff and going with two 250 watt MHs but bulb replacement would be the same as going with 3 175s (or within $30). Would 175s really be okay for Acopora?

Doug

Stretch
12-19-2003, 02:31 AM
If you use a 400watt on one side and 175 on the other you will see a huge difference in the amount of light per side. IMO the replacement and on going costs of 2 250's would probably be less than 3 175's. Really the only difference would be power costs. If you could buy a second 400 and run 2 that would be awesome on your 90 if your temps would allow for it. 175 My results weren't all that great for acros but most SPS would do pretty well in the higher areas of your tank.

StirCrazy
12-19-2003, 04:52 AM
is this a 4 foot long 90? if so you could run the 400 in the middlw and then two 175's on the side.. if you do a 400 on one end and a 175 on the other you will be dissapointed by the look I think..

I used to run a 175 for my acros and they do much better under the 250s. more color, faster growth ect..

Steve

BCOrchidGuy
12-19-2003, 06:40 AM
I was thinking about just going with the 400 but it's a Sea Star tank with that center brace. You loose alot of light through there when the light is centered. I'd rather not go with two 400s so maybe I'll sell off some of the stuff and get two 250s and keep one 175 for my nano.... I wish bulbs were not so expensive.
I figured it would look odd with the 400 over one end and the 175 over the other, but I was hoping someone would say they had done it and had reasonable results.

Doug

Aquattro
12-19-2003, 07:34 AM
I figured it would look odd with the 400 over one end and the 175 over the other

Especially if one was a radium and the other wasn't

BCOrchidGuy
12-19-2003, 02:40 PM
Sorry Steve, yes it's a 4 foot 90 gallon.

Doug