par 38 vs 150 watt MH

Yep,unless there's another reason I don't know about such as a change in electric rates that was the difference I immediately noticed.Wow 500 is a nice shopping budget.I don't know the dimensions of your tank or other details such as how you would like to mount or hang the light(s) but with that budget you have many good options.I would def check out reefbreeders.org,they just started selling a 32inch unit that may work.The 27inch maxspect razor is another possability.Have fun shopping!

 

I love the Maxspect choice as it is simply a beautiful fixture. There is nothing on the market like it. I do however think an overall better choice would be 2 of the 20" fixtures.
Maxspect 20.5 Inch Razor R420R 10,000K LED Light Fixture
enter code VIPBEN or VIPRICHARD and get 10% off your entire order. They already have $5.99 shipping on orders over $75. They shoud be about $367 each. Or just get the 27" as suggested for $445

 

My tank is 48longx21tall its a bow so i dont know the width 18/12 i think. I think the par 38s are my best option they will be mounted in a canapie. i will stagger them so i spreads the light evenly.

 

Well only you know what's best for you.

IMO, PAR 38 are best left to nano tanks. Their typical spread is 12"x12". Once you get to your size you should be considereing at least the Kessil A150's. When it comes for bang for your buck it's very hard to beat the Maxspect. Even harder if you use that discount code.

 

+1

With that budget, I would get the Razor

 

Agreed, Razors are some of the best pre made fixtures.

 

so if i got the razor would i need 2 of them since they are 20.5 inches long?

 

The razors come in a 20.5 inch length (2 clusters of 13 leds) and a 27 inch length and with a color option of 10000K or 16000K (3 clusters of 13 leds). If you do not have a center brace on that bow, the 27 inch should work fine for you, however you will probably have some slightly darker edges. Just an FYI, many places are no longer accepting discounts for anything maxspect. I have 2 of the 20.5 inch fixtures over my standard 90 gallon reef with a center brace (mainly SPS). It looks fantastic.
You can google around and find some pictures and PAR ratings of the razors. IMO, your tank is too deep for PAR38's.

 

2 20 inch for higher light corals/fully lit tank
1 27 inch for slightly lower light corals and dark edges

 

Money you will spend on 4xpar bulbs will get you nice fixture with dimming.... Par38 was a good buy when cheapest descent fixture on the market was about $400, now its all changed. I would not consider any Par bulb for anything more then 10 gallons.

Example:

Ecoxotics or Rapidled considered one of the best Par38 on the market and cost $99 (21W Cree emitters) for Eco or $80-$90 for Rapidled (Cree) 19W

Reefbreeders sells 90W Bridgelux/Cree fixture for $225 or controllable 120W for $319.
Bottom line:

4xPar38 for $360-$400 (76-84W no dimming) or 90W fixture (no dimming) for $225 or controllable 120W for $319

Another bottom line: most of the time LFS talk is not something to listen to

Another bottom line (somewhere all away on the bottom of the DSB) - take it easy and do the math, 70 Gallons with Par is just like piston engines on B747...