[corey0613]

i am upgrading lighting on my 25 gal to accomodate SPS.

first off i know that the tank is small and i will be going with a larger tank around the end of the year, i want to choose lighting that will be able to go over the new tank.

i think i have decided on the PFO HQI mini pendant from marine depot. i want to go with the 250W 20,000K XM.

1. How do you all feel about this setup? i want to have no limits to the stock that i can keep.

2. Should i go with option #2 which is the 150W HQI with 10,000K. i probably would go with the less watts if they had a 20,000K in 150W.i really like the look of the 20K bulbs.

3. If i went with the 150W would i have limits on what i can keep?

the tank is 20.5 inches deep and the lights would be suspended 10" from the top. i only have about 2" of sand.

i have really done this tank backwards in that i worked on mastering the chemistry before adding equipment like a skimmer and good lighting. i have had excellent results with my corals and will attach pics to show you all.

i really have the SPS bug bad and cant wait to get them in my tank. i dont believe that waiting for the larger tank will benefit the corals any more as i really have stuck it out and waited until i had a working understanding of their care.

[big 5]

i run to 150 hqi de 20,000 and don't waste your money
get the 250. i have upgraded to a hqi 250 10000 and keep every sps under this lighting
the 150 was killing my sps (lossing color and no growth)but is great for softies
i'm going to use my 150 to light my refugium and have a xeina farm

[guzzler]

Originally Posted by big 5

i run to 150 hqi de 20,000 and don't waste your money
get the 250. i have upgraded to a hqi 250 10000 and keep every sps under this lighting
the 150 was killing my sps (lossing color and no growth)but is great for softies
i'm going to use my 150 to light my refugium and have a xeina farm

so if i put a 250watt bulb in my 29 gallon then what corals couldnt i keep? would i be limited to anemones and soft corals only? is that just a single 250 watt bulb ?

[big 5]

Originally Posted by guzzler

so if i put a 250watt bulb in my 29 gallon then what corals couldnt i keep? would i be limited to anemones and soft corals only? is that just a single 250 watt bulb ?

my opionion you could keep anemones sps lps and soft corals you have alot of intensity
my friend runs a pfo 20k 250 over a 30 and keeps every thing successfully
do you run a sump? over heating might be a problem on a small tank

[acropora]

Originally Posted by big 5

my opionion you could keep anemones sps lps and soft corals you have alot of intensity
my friend runs a pfo 20k 250 over a 30 and keeps every thing successfully
do you run a sump? over heating might be a problem on a small tank

You are right about the heat issue.Planning ahead is always the way to go.I have always purchased items with the intent of possibly using them on a larger tank.However, 250 M.H.'s will have to be used cautiously on your set up. If you have the room, a larger sump that you would use on your next set up will greatly increase the volume of water in your entire system. Fans in your lighting hood as well as over your sump will also help.You may want to consider getting your larger tank now and begin planning on what will work for your new system.

[AquaticCo]

IMO I think you would be better off with the Hamilton Reeftsar. Comprable footprint but has a hammertone reflector which pushes a lot more light back into the tank

IMO of course

Doug

Originally Posted by corey0613

i am upgrading lighting on my 25 gal to accomodate SPS.

first off i know that the tank is small and i will be going with a larger tank around the end of the year, i want to choose lighting that will be able to go over the new tank.

i think i have decided on the PFO HQI mini pendant from marine depot. i want to go with the 250W 20,000K XM.

1. How do you all feel about this setup? i want to have no limits to the stock that i can keep.

2. Should i go with option #2 which is the 150W HQI with 10,000K. i probably would go with the less watts if they had a 20,000K in 150W.i really like the look of the 20K bulbs.

3. If i went with the 150W would i have limits on what i can keep?

the tank is 20.5 inches deep and the lights would be suspended 10" from the top. i only have about 2" of sand.

i have really done this tank backwards in that i worked on mastering the chemistry before adding equipment like a skimmer and good lighting. i have had excellent results with my corals and will attach pics to show you all.

i really have the SPS bug bad and cant wait to get them in my tank. i dont believe that waiting for the larger tank will benefit the corals any more as i really have stuck it out and waited until i had a working understanding of their care.