double ended mh bulbs vs screw in type

[Samw]

Enough for what?

I'm pretty sure the 250W would be better. If you use a DO meter to test photosynthesis (oxygen output), I'm almost sure that you would have higher DO with the 250W bulb. In other words, the extra light is not being wasted and is being used for additional photosynthesis. That's the case in my tank anyways which is full of photosynthetic animals.

And it goes without saying that all this depends on what you want to keep. If you aren't keeping anything very light demanding, then the 175W is probably enough.

Originally Posted by robzilla

my next question is what would you recommend for a 44g pentagon shape
tank, total depth is 23" from the top. would 175watts be enough?
or go with the hqi 250w?

thanks
rob