Lighting Question: Is 250w of Halide far superior to Power Compact?

[Caesar Augustus]

I currently have 260 watts of PC's from coralife on my 55 gal reef. Its not really enough. The tank is doing well just not as great as it could be. Should I put 250 watts of Halide on it or would it be better to put 300 or 400 watts of something else? The tank is only a foot deep so my options are limited. I was thinking of getting a 250w reefstar HQI fixture but is it going to be that much better than what I currently have? Thanks for any advice.
Keep the Faith,
Augustus

[klasikb]

Is 250w of Halide far superior to power compact?

In a word, YES!

When we had our 55 we started with pc. When we switched to MH everything loved it. The tank was mostly softies and LPS at that time. IMO go for it.
Sheila

[Ninong]

I currently have 260 watts of PC's from coralife on my 55 gal reef. Its not really enough. The tank is doing well just not as great as it could be. Should I put 250 watts of Halide on it or would it be better to put 300 or 400 watts of something else? The tank is only a foot deep so my options are limited. I was thinking of getting a 250w reefstar HQI fixture but is it going to be that much better than what I currently have? Thanks for any advice.
Keep the Faith,
Augustus

I wouldn't use a single metal halide lamp over a tank that is 48" long. Are you asking about one 250w metal halide lamp or two???

If you're thinking of switching to metal halides, you need a fixture that is 48" long with two lamps, either 150w or 250w.

[Poseidon]

If it wasn't then why would we all have spent so much money on them? YES MH is FAR superior to PC, especially for SPS and Clams, they almost REQUIRE MH for good growth and coloration.

[Caesar Augustus]

So Ninong, I could not put a Halide only? I've got to get a 48" fixture?

[Poseidon]

Each bulb can illuminate an area about 24"x24" so yes I would recomennd 2 bulbs, or a 4ft fixture...

I know I am not Ninong...

[Ninong]

So Ninong, I could not put a Halide only? I've got to get a 48" fixture?

What are the dimensions of your 55-gal tank? Is it a standard glass 55-gallon? If so, one metal halide lamp won't cut it. You would need two.

[Caesar Augustus]

Got it! Thanks guys!