250 or 400

[wwarriner]

I'm starting to plan for my next tank build and I'm going to have a tank custom made that is either 36 or 48 inches long, 24 inches wide and 20-24 inches deep.

Suppose I go with 24 inches deep, which I probably will, would you go with 250 or 400 watt HQIs? I want to be able to grow Acros and be able to put a clam on the bottom and it be able to live as well.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Texreefer]

IMO no need for 400, do 250 and save a little money

[LoneStar]

Better bulb selection with the 250w as well....

[RayAllen]

ditto @ 2ft deep 250watts is plenty

[wwarriner]

how deep does it have to be before you have to go with 400W halides?

[RayAllen]

how deep does it have to be before you have to go with 400W halides?

LOL, sounds like u want to go with the 400's. You really dont need them untill you are around 36" deep.

[wwarriner]

Ok cool. I just want to make sure I have enough without going overboard.

250s it is then. What about this fixture?
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~Current_USA_48_inch_Outer_Orb it_2x250w_10K_HQI_MH_w__4x54W_T5_HO___18_Lunar_Lig hts_48in~vendor~Current_USA~SearchStr~~action~view ~idProduct~CU01077~idCategory~FILTFIMHMTMDMLM6.htm l

[jrsatx20]

ad has one used 4 200$

[Bill S]

I think you should buy some 250w ones, then trade them to me for my 400s...

[CoryDude]

400W is overkill on a 24" deep tank. Plus, like someone else said, you have a better bulb selection in the 250w range.

[reefer man]

i say 250s like everyone else

[DrMark]

My opinion is also the 250watt.

I also think you cant go wrong with the 36 or 48" outerorbit pro hqi fixture. Has two 250watt MH.
I have the 669 watt one on a 36" wide x 24" deep x 30" tall tank. Works great, although I maybe would have done two 400watts for it being deeper. For 24" this fixture would be perfect.
Mark

[Gseclipse02]

so how deep can you go with a 250W mh ???24"??? i need to meassure my tank ... right now i have 2 150w MH but i know i need to step my light game up( im in the process right now)

side note i started to do SPS and every thing is placed high so thats not a problem i dont think the only thing i am having a issue with is that i have a 10" clam on my sand bed and i just want to make sure that i am providing it with right right amount of light

[tropheusmaster]

250