Is two 250w metal halide lamps enough?

[DenverSaltyFarm]

I currently have a 200 gallon peninsula that is predominantly sps. Currently running 2 6ft UV pop light bars and 5 radions with 450 par on top of the rockwork and 200 par on sand. The tank is 20” deep and 70” long

I feel like I always had better growth back in the days of metal halide so want to try metal halide led hybrid system on the tank since metal halide systems are so inexpensive these days.

would you go with two 400w 20k double ended bulb systems on 26” reflectors with LED bars or two 250w 20k double ended bulb systems on 26” reflectors with led bars?


I was leaning towards the 250w systems just wondering your thoughts.

 

[jda]

400w DE stuff was never huge and nearly impossible to find now. 400w SE is better. If you can get m80 type of ballasts, then 250w DE is good... otherwise, 250w SW might be better and you can use any regular ballast either hydroponics or aquarium or whatever.

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

400w DE stuff was never huge and nearly impossible to find now. 400w SE is better. If you can get m80 type of ballasts, then 250w DE is good... otherwise, 250w SW might be better and you can use any regular ballast either hydroponics or aquarium or whatever.

Cheers thank you

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

If it’s z6 feet I would suggest 3 250s

 

[Velcro]

reflector matters here almost as much as bulb wattage.

 

[A. grandis]

I currently have a 200 gallon peninsula that is predominantly sps. Currently running 2 6ft UV pop light bars and 5 radions with 450 par on top of the rockwork and 200 par on sand.

PAR no matter

The tank is 20” deep and 70” long

Lengh is 70", width is 20", right? How tall is the tank?

I feel like I always had better growth back in the days of metal halide so want to try metal halide led hybrid system on the tank since metal halide systems are so inexpensive these days.

would you go with two 400w 20k double ended bulb systems on 26” reflectors with LED bars or two 250w 20k double ended bulb systems on 26” reflectors with led bars?


I was leaning towards the 250w systems just wondering your thoughts.

Again, how tall is the tank?
What are exactly the reflectors you are talking about (brand, model, etc)?
What halide gear is available and/or what do you have on hand?

 

[Ernie Mccracken]

I would only go with 400 watt bulbs if you want to run SE Radium 20k's (and have a line on a bunch of bulbs).

I would love to run a Giesseman or Sfiligoi 250w HQI/T5 combo again.

Or let's really get efficient, come on you know you want to.

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

PAR no matter

Lengh is 70", width is 20", right? How tall is the tank?

Again, how tall is the tank?
What are exactly the reflectors you are talking about (brand, model, etc)?
What halide gear is available and/or what do you have on hand?

Its the Innovative marine 200 gallon 30W" x 70.9L" x 21.7T so its pretty shallow. Most of the sps is only7"-10" under the surface of the water. I ended up purchasing three reef bright 20k 250W bulbs. The hood and ballast are from hydroponics industry so really no name, but very particular on the shape, dimensions, and spread and I found the ones that will fit nice. digital ballast 250w dimmable with a overdrive setting if needed. All 3 hoods will pretty much be touching each other and will cover the entire length-width of the tank.

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

Here is the reflectors I went with. Measures: 20″ long x 15¾” wide x 6½” high

 

[A. grandis]

That's it! Now you can just relax and enjoy your tank!
Grow some extra Acros for me!

 

[A. grandis]

I would only go with 400 watt bulbs if you want to run SE Radium 20k's (and have a line on a bunch of bulbs).

I would love to run a Giesseman or Sfiligoi 250w HQI/T5 combo again.

Or let's really get efficient, come on you know you want to.

Just do it!
Giesemann, in Germany, is still making the Spectra and sending to US!

 

[jda]

Cheers thank you

AquaMedic was HQ'd in Loveland when they still were in the US. If you go to enough fish/reef garage sales or get involved with the local club, you can find large amounts of AquaMedic fixtures and ballasts around town for cheap or free. This stuff is abundant here.

 

[AKReefing]

I currently have a 200 gallon peninsula that is predominantly sps. Currently running 2 6ft UV pop light bars and 5 radions with 450 par on top of the rockwork and 200 par on sand. The tank is 20” deep and 70” long

I feel like I always had better growth back in the days of metal halide so want to try metal halide led hybrid system on the tank since metal halide systems are so inexpensive these days.

would you go with two 400w 20k double ended bulb systems on 26” reflectors with LED bars or two 250w 20k double ended bulb systems on 26” reflectors with led bars?


I was leaning towards the 250w systems just wondering your thoughts.

450 /200 PAR is a ton, but your PAR meter may not be adequately measuring the blue-violet end, depending on the model. If so, your true PAR could be significantly higher with the LEDs. It also depends on which SPS you're referring to.

Also, which Radions are you using? What settings are you using for the Radions? AB+, PHX14, etc.?