2x250MH overkill for LPS dominated tank?

[xpert1974]

Can reefers out there advise. Is 2x250MH an overkill for a tank dominated by LPS? or should I get 2x150MH instead. I do not have the intention to go SPS

[DeepBlue]

If totally no intention to go SPS...very very sure...just 150 will do....

reasons:

1) save electricity

2) water doesnt heat up so fast

3) chiller run less in turns of hours

4) LPS that placed in wrong place without proper aclimatising run risk of bleaching or burnt

[surfedelic]

What is the size of your tank ?

[dr evil]

depth also play a big part.........

[ryz]

yes.. even under 150W if some LPS are placed too near to light source they will bleach.. under 250W confirm worse

[xpert1974]

thanks all for yr input. One of the reason why I went for a 2x250 in the first place is to make SPS keeping a possibility in future instead of changing 150 next time round.

If that's the case a choice for 2x150 a better choice now and change later to 2x250 in future when I want to have SPS?

[typrobin]

how big is your tank?? if it is 3ft, then can try 1 X 250W..so tat u won't have to dig out too much when u wanna upgrade...but if it is 4ft, then no choice...

[DeepBlue]

Use 1 X 250 Watts with a few T5s..... the T5s should be good enough for your LPS if tank not deeper than 2ft. when you switch to SPS....release the MH on them!

(if its a 3ft tank)

[shoelevy]

i'm using 2x250 for 5 by 2 by 2...i too am wondering if its overkill....no intention of sps too...only lps

[IanJ]

My tank is 5ft 24inches deep, lps under 3x250W no problem, great growth and health. 150 w x 3 for same depth also works. In both cases you must keep the Ca level up to keep them long term