lighting options?

[blueboy]

i'm looking to upgrade my lighting. my tank is a 4'x2'x2' 120G. i have mostly softies, a few LPS, and SPS. i'm not really looking to get into alot of SPS, i just want better health, and growth for what i have. would also like to add a RBTA, and clam. do you guys(and girls) think 2x150W DE's with4x21W T-5's for actinic would be adequate. i'm on a limited budget(arent we all?), and am concerned about heat, and energy consumption also.

[alexwolf]

maybe 250w halides. Shouldnt be much more than the 150w. I LOVE my 250w DE pendants. So do all my softies, zoos, SPS, and clams.

[bprewit]

I spent about a week of reading different opinions on lighting as well as actual measurements from different types of bulbs. I came up with this, its all freakin expensive but spend it all just once because it costs way more to constantly upgrade! I made that mistake about 3 times so far and have spend more cash than I would have if I had gone all out the first time. I would say go with two 250W instead of 150W. Not too terribly much more expensive for the additional light. Will consume more power and create more heat though.

[btacker]

I would go with 250w SEs. Henry has a nice ballast for sale right now:

7. dual 250pfo ballast and cords $125 available as soon as e-ballast get here

Get some reflectors and bulbs and your done. If you get 150s I think you will regret it.

[alexwolf]

HA Josh is a regular comedian.

[RobertG]

HA Josh is a regular comedian.

What do they say "If the shoe fits I want you to wear the wig too! " :P

I like comedians, there funny.

I would say go with the 250W DE 10k, they have great par producing great growth. JME.

I would also consider talking with Greg @ 360 Reeffarms. He has T5 retro kits that are 54W. They are sweet, I have four of them on my tank. With the 4 250W DE 10k's. He sells them for 125 each set of two. With all the hardware. Nice.

[captexas]

Yeppers, I agree with going with a 250w over the 150. I would bet that if you went with the 150 you would be wanting to upgrade in less than a year so you might as well spend the little extra now instead of a lot extra down the road.

[Jenn]

I am sure I will appreciate that info once I understand it.