250 watt VS. 400 watt

[Aquafrags]

I just got some 400 watt Galaxy ballasts and I put one over my frag tank and the growth and the colors of corals is incredible. I am thinking 400 watters are the way to go??

let me know what you think

 

[kingrb]

Well it's all about the depth of your tank....
I have a 36" tall tank so i must run 400 watters if i want to place corals that need strong light at any depth in my tank.
So i can still place a clam or SPS at the bottom of my tank.
20" tall tank you can use 250 watts

 

[Reefer08]

If electricity costs doesn't matter to you then go for the 400's. I think it depends more on what kelvin bulb your going with also. Your not going to be running any supplements so you just saved electricity their. I think id probably go with 400w if I was you.

Its too bad no one in so cali has a par meter so we could test the difference between the two bulbs. I think the scmas club is trying to raise funds to buy one...

 

[Aquafrags]

I get the whole depth thing, but what I like is I can use a 20K bulb and still get the POP!!! in the color department and still get rockin GROWTH!

 

[kingrb]

very true. It's the blue light that really makes the difference in photosynthesis, and more is better in an aquarium!

 

[Reefer08]

Are you sure you don't want any T5's as supplements?

 

[Letsgotothezoo]

Paul,
MH do come with 1000 watts. Try that.... Your corals will be glowing more.:aetsch:

 

[Aquafrags]

1000 is overboard, but considering I only run my halides 8 hrs a day, I dont think electricity is a issue, I hope, but I do notice they are considerably hotter

 

[lowbudget]

if your tank is less then 24" no need 400 watter unless you want your corals to have a sun tan

 

[Aquafrags]

suntanned corals are just not the color I am looking for:aetsch:

 

[socaltropicalfish]

400w....just do it.

 

[Aquafrags]

Already did got two 400 watt Galaxy, just in your store and got a 400 watt reeflux 20K

 

[Reefer08]

Happy to see that you decided to go with the 400w! You can get away with 6 hours of metal halide if energy bills a lil too high.

 

[socaltropicalfish]

Already did got two 400 watt Galaxy, just in your store and got a 400 watt reeflux 20K

today ?

 

[Aquafrags]

you dont remember that huge Red Cap I gave you:idea:

 

[socaltropicalfish]

you mean sold...LOL