250W or 400W MH

[Reefres]

I just received my canopy for my 120 gal. (24"x24"x48") AG tank. The canopy is 15" deep and I plan on setting it up with 2-MH and 4-VHO. I want to set the tank up as a mixed reef, will 250W MH be OK or do I need to upgrade to 400W MH? Thanks for your input.

 

[Len]

250W Double Ended (usually called HQI) would be fine. 400W is brighter but at a far greater operating cost. 250W single ended (mogul socket) is significantly less bright then its DE counterpart.

 

[Anonymous]

hey Len,
do you think there would be a drastic difference in the 400w mogul and the 250w HQI in a SPS tank if the bulbs were of similiar color temp?
that is, as far as coral color and growth is concerned?

am i hearing that you would rather go with the 250w if you were to set up a 120g today?

 

[Len]

I am using the 250W DE now I switched from 10KK 400W to 10KK 250W DE. Former was regular M59 ballast with Ushio 10KK and Spiderlight reflectors. Now it's Aqualine Aquaspacelight.

According to my PAR meter, the 250 produce nearly the same output as my 400s. The drawback is the distribution isn't as wide, so overall output is definitely less. But IME, it's not by much and really is the more efficient setup. I'd go with 400W if elec wasn't an issue. In S. Cali, it is big time

 

[Reefres]

Thanks for the input. Most of the HQI set ups are designed to hang as opposed to retro fit in a canopy. Does Aqualine or others have designs to mount inside a canopy or do you have to customize it to fit and will I then have enough room for the 4 VHO's?

My other concern would be for ventation, would 2-fans built into the canopy be enough to keep it cool?