Lighting - Can you do this?

[KMP]

Can you run a 150w or 175w bulb in a 250w fixture? I'm considering getting a new light for my 36" tank.

I've seen some with dual 250w MH all in one fixtures (MH, Act, Moon) rated at over 600w. Seems like to much light to me so I was wondering if I could run a smaller bulb. Would the ballasts have to be changed out?

[bencozzy]

you would need to get a ballast rated for the bulbs you want to run.

you can switch the SE 250w and 175w around, but i believe 150w SE are medium base and not mogul like the 250/175. also DE are different lengths so you need a new socket oh and the 250/400w bulbs are "keyed" and the 150w are just push ins.

and as far as 600w being to much depends on many factors what corals do you want to keep and how deep is the tank?

[KMP]

thanks ben.

tank is 24" deep. right now just softies and am working toward sps. i did find coralvue makes a 250w dimmable (up to 35%) ballast. that would allow me to dim them down to 181w each and later if i have more lighting needs i can crank them up if i understand that correctly.