2 x 400 watt. yea or nay

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by Daniel072, Mar 31, 2009.

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Is this going to work?

  1. Go For It

    3 vote(s)
    21.4%

  2. No Way

    8 vote(s)
    57.1%

  3. Good to go with care.

    3 vote(s)
    21.4%
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  1. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

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    Ok I just had my boss give me a PFO pulse start 2 x 400 mh ballast and sockets. I know this is a lot of light for my 24 inch deep tank but do you guys think it can be done??? I had 175 over it before and althought the sps on the bottom are growing, I'm just not getting the color that I think I can achieve. Let me know and please don't just shoot me down without explaining yourself.
     
    Daniel072, Mar 31, 2009
    Daniel072, Mar 31, 2009
    #1

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  2. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    I say no. I would worry about heat issues and bleaching. Go for 250's
     
    PackLeader, Mar 31, 2009
    PackLeader, Mar 31, 2009
    #2
  3. DoorBoy

    DoorBoy Bristle Worm

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    sell it and pick up something smaller?
     
    DoorBoy, Mar 31, 2009
    DoorBoy, Mar 31, 2009
    #3
  4. salsalito25

    salsalito25 Stylophora

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    My roomate had a 180 gal with 2 400watt Mh... His temps was alway hot and corals.. well good growth but no color.... adn you couldnt look at his tank with out Squinting.. It also was 24inch deep..

    Like above sell and go for 250watt mh... Jmho..


    Good Luck..!!!
     
    salsalito25, Mar 31, 2009
    salsalito25, Mar 31, 2009
    #4
  5. Iraf

    Iraf Snowflake Eel

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    I know tangster uses 2x 400's over a 180 but he's got a chiller to I think
     
    Iraf, Mar 31, 2009
    Iraf, Mar 31, 2009
    #5
  6. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

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    thanks for the input man. I do appreciate it. I am installing these right now and then I'll see what will happen. I plan on starting with 4 hour cycles and having the power compacts turn on when MH turns off.
     
    Daniel072, Mar 31, 2009
    Daniel072, Mar 31, 2009
    #6

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  7. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

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    well he and otty have me wanting to try the sps 14k's really bad now. I was dead set against them but with the 400 watt I don't have to be so picky about the par value of the bulb because even the lowest 400 watt mh bulb will be enough to rock my tank. I hope so anyway.
     
    Daniel072, Mar 31, 2009
    Daniel072, Mar 31, 2009
    #7
  8. Iraf

    Iraf Snowflake Eel

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    dunno man, the LFS I use just quit selling and using SPS bulbs, their using nothing but Phoenix 14k HQI's now
     
    Iraf, Mar 31, 2009
    Iraf, Mar 31, 2009
    #8
  9. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

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    I'm not impressed by their output really but I do like their color. I also trust otty and tangster so we are gonna try it. If not I'll go back to iwasaki
     
    Daniel072, Mar 31, 2009
    Daniel072, Mar 31, 2009
    #9
  10. ShootMe

    ShootMe Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2009
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    Raleigh, NC
    Go for it, if it’s worth doing its worth overdoing right!
     
    ShootMe, Mar 31, 2009
    ShootMe, Mar 31, 2009
    #10
    1 person likes this.
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