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06/19/2012, 07:53 PM
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#1 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 634
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250W vs 400W?
We currently run two 250W Galaxy ballasts with 20k Radium bulbs on the 250 gallon tank. We see marginal growth from the SPS and LPS corals with this setup. Would changing to 400W ballasts and bulbs be a significant "upgrade" for coral health and growth? What are the positives / negatives over the current setup? Thanks!
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My Tank: Deep Blue 30 Gallon Frag Tank, 8 x 24 ATI Powermodule with two Reef Brite XHO LED Strips, Three MP10wes Pumps Brothers Tank: Marineland 250DD |
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06/19/2012, 09:11 PM
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#2 |
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Acropora Nut
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 1,628
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On a 250 G tank I would for sure do 400W MH. You should see better growth with that setup. You will have a little more heat so if you have a chiller it will turn on more or you may require an additional fan or two....maybe not. I don't know what you have in place for cooling.
When i had my 120g up, it was an SPS dominated mixed reef. I had two Radiums 400w with two luminbright large reflectofs. Grew SPS like a champ.
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211g Planet Aquariums Hybrid PVC bottom 48"x34"x30" and steel stand from CustomReefCreations - Reeflo Super Dart - OM 4way - SRO XP3000 External - ATI Dimmable 8x54w - Apex. |
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06/20/2012, 06:53 PM
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#3 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 634
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Heat shouldn't be an issue since the top is so open and air flow is very good. Thanks for the opinion.
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My Tank: Deep Blue 30 Gallon Frag Tank, 8 x 24 ATI Powermodule with two Reef Brite XHO LED Strips, Three MP10wes Pumps Brothers Tank: Marineland 250DD |
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06/20/2012, 08:27 PM
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#4 |
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Go Spurs Go!!!
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Meadowlakes Texas
Posts: 13,357
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You could also go to a higher par 250 watt bulb.
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Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon. |
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06/20/2012, 08:32 PM
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#5 |
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arrogant reefer
Join Date: May 2012
Location: N Texas
Posts: 687
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400's are IMO the best reef lights. Other than heat zero negatives or a reason any smaller bulb would be better
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06/20/2012, 09:10 PM
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#6 |
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Go Spurs Go!!!
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Meadowlakes Texas
Posts: 13,357
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Wattage does not grow corals, Par and Pur and available nutrients grow corals. If you can get enough Par with less wattage then all you are adding is an extra 150 watts of heat. Growth is not just limited by light, food and correct water parameters and flow all play a part in growth rates. You may get better growth with the 400's but you may not.
What reflectors are you using?
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Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon. |
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06/20/2012, 09:16 PM
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#7 | |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 634
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Quote:
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My Tank: Deep Blue 30 Gallon Frag Tank, 8 x 24 ATI Powermodule with two Reef Brite XHO LED Strips, Three MP10wes Pumps Brothers Tank: Marineland 250DD |
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06/20/2012, 09:27 PM
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#8 |
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Go Spurs Go!!!
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Meadowlakes Texas
Posts: 13,357
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That should be more than enough light with spotlight reflectors, if you are getting enough spread.
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Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon. |
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