[smithad]

All right guys,

I am upgrading my lighting with Metal Halide to go along with my 1 240w pc fixture with 2 10k and 2 actinic and another strip light with a coral life 50/50.
I would like to upgrade to a double 250w 14000k or 20000k hooded system.

My question is: Would this be sufficient enough lighting for a 150gl that is 30" deep 4' long and 2' feet wide? or should I go with a dual 400W system?

Just like the beginer I am, I house softies now, but in the future I would like to incorporate some clams, anemones and maybe transition into SPS.

Before I spend the money on something that will not do me any good in the future I would like to get your opinions on this.

[Ninong]

For a 150-gal (48x24x30) tank, you could go with either two 250w metal halides or two 400w metal halides. If you are thinking of 20,000K, then I think you should choose the 400 watt size.

[smithad]

What is the benefit either way, 14000k or 20000k for this size of tank? Or in that matter 10000k.

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by smithad

What is the benefit either way, 14000k or 20000k for this size of tank? Or in that matter 10000k.

In general, assuming quality lamps, the 10,000K would have more PAR than either the 14,000K or the 20,000K.

If you tell us exactly which brands of each you are considering, I could give you are more definitive answer. If you choose 250 watt lamps, you should probably stick with 10,000K. If you prefer 20,000K, you should pass on the 250 watt size and move up to 400 watt.

[smithad]

Thanks Ninong,

I will keep that in mind while surfing for my new lights.
I would give you specific brand names and model numbers but I just don't know.
I have been looking on line for lighting and can't seem to make a choice. There are way too many options available out there. Any suggestions?

[Poseidon]

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/select2lamp.php

[Ninong]

It's virtually impossible to give meaningful suggestions to others unless you know the answers to at least a dozen factors that influence such decisions. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Open tank top or canopy?

Chiller or no chiller?

Suspended fixtures or DIY lighting inside a canopy?

SPS dominated tank or mixed?

Height of water column? Sand bed or not? Depth of sand bed?

Location of tank in the home? Will heat in the viewing room be an issue?

Will humidity in the viewing area be an issue?

Personal preferences of the aquarist when it comes to the "appearance" of the lighting? Do you want a bluish appearance? A bluish-white appearance? A bright white appearance? A sunny daylight appearance?

Budget: Anything goes? Under $2,000? Under $1,000? Under $700?

Double-end metal halide lamps or single end?

What sort of reflectors?

Actinic supplementation or not? If so, which kind? VHO, HO, PC, NO?

Moonlight or not?