View Full Version : Upgrade 150 watt to 400 watt
sailfintang
02/27/2008, 07:28 AM
Anyone ever upgraded their 150 watts to 400 watts halides. I am currently in the process of swapping out my dual 150 watt fixture to 2, 400 watt retros. I plan on running these lights over a 72 bow tank that is about 20 inches deepe. The reason for the upgrade is to assist in growth and increase the watts per gallon so I can grow sps and clams on my sand bed without worry of a lack of light. I plan on using reeflux 10 K bulbgs as well.
The reason for this post is because I am wondering if this would be overkill for the tank? I currently believe I am underrunning my tank. Any advice suggestions appreciated.
chrisqueenz
02/27/2008, 08:03 AM
I personally think 1 400w would be fine under there with right bulb for growth. How far up over the tank are the lights?
sailfintang
02/27/2008, 08:07 AM
The lights will be about 10 to 15 inches above the water, also included in the canopy will be 2, 54 watt T5 HO atcintics that a currently running along side the 150's I have now.
It breaks down like this:
150MH + 150MH + 54T5 + 54T5 = 408watts currently
400MH + 400MH + 54T5 + 54T5 = 908watts upgrade
sailfintang
02/27/2008, 08:11 AM
After some calculations here how the watts per gallon break down
One 400 MH + the T5 HO's = 7.055 watts per gallon
Two 400 MH + T5 HO's = 12.61 watts per gallon
So would two be over kill then? Would I turn my tank into soup?
EnderG60
02/27/2008, 08:17 AM
as long as you can deal with the heat its not a big deal.
A single 400 would do, but its kinda hard to get a halide to cover 4ft(especially if you have a center brace).
Logically I would say do two 250's if your not planning to get a larger tank down the road....but thas comming from a guy with a 400w and two 39w t5's on a 58g :)
sailfintang
02/27/2008, 08:38 AM
I was looking at the 2-250MH but figured I will upgrade to a 180 or greater somtime down the road so why not get the better lights for when I upgrade. So I agree with you EnderG60. And yes I have a center brace so kinda impossible to run the 1, 400watt light
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