I don't know what difference in output there is between SE and DE bulbs, but I'm running 2 x 250w 10,000k SE bulbs on Icecap ballasts with 2 x 96w PC actinics over my tank which is 32" deep. With the sand bed and the top rim, the water depth is about 28", the lights are about 8" off the water. I try to keep my SPS up higher on the rocks, but I have a plate coral and an open brain down on the sandbed. Both have been doing quite well and have grown noiticably since I got them about a year ago.
I can simpathize wanting to keep the utility bills down, my lights use plenty as it is.
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I retired and got a fixed income but it's broke.
Ed
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50 gallon FOWLR, 10 gallon sump.
130 gallon reef, 20 gallon sump, 10 gallon refugium.
10 gallon quarantine.
60 gallon winter tank for pond fish.
300 gallon pond with waterfall.
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