Lighting for my new 90 gallon

[jkeithh1969]

Have some equipment left over from the old 75 (2 175 watt MH's and 4 110 watt VHO's) and while it was pretty good for the 75 it just isn't cutting it for the 90 especially since I want to try and keep SPS, LPS, softies, and a derasa clam this go around. MY question is...I want to keep the 2 175 watt MH and get rid of the VHO. Is this possible by adding another MH and if so, what wattage would you recommend (250? 400?) I was going to put the things that need less light (softies and LPS) on the sides where the 175's are and the things that need more light (SPS, clams) in the center of the tank under the higher wattage MH. Would this work? The halides are about 11" from the surface of the water.

[charlie]

I personally think you would be better off with 2- 250w and the VHO. JMHO

[jkeithh1969]

That figures....the stupid VHO ballast went out about an hour ago. So now I have to buy 2 250 watt ballast for the MH and a new VHO ballast.

[charlie]

That figures....the stupid VHO ballast went out about an hour ago. So now I have to buy 2 250 watt ballast for the MH and a new VHO ballast.

Sounds like Christmas in January.

[jkeithh1969]

More like "just my luck"

[Poseidon]

I use a pair of 250's on my 90, and a single actinic VHO, that setup has worked very well for me.

Check out "workhorse" ballasts, I'll bet you can get one to light a single T5 or VHO for less then $50.

[Fragmented]

Switching to a lumenarc reflector can have a tremendous impact. Its worth the cost