debating on lighting change

[dolphinman213]

i am currently running 2-175w 10k mh's on my 55 gallon cube with no actinics( no room for them)--i'm wondering will it be safe to change to 250w or go with a higher k rated bulb instead---i currently have softies--acros--montiporas-- and others---will 250's be too much for my tank(36x18x19)

[JRechcygl]

Taking it to 250's WILL be alot of light, might be too much for some inhabitants, at least at first. If you go with a higher kelvin lamp you will be more likely to make the transistion to the higher wattage without issue. The softies will most likely be fine, but you will want to slowly lower, or at first shorten the photoperiod to prevent shocking the SPS, montis are known for bleaching failrly easy.

How far are the lamps from the tank now?

[seattleguy]

I agree with JRechcygl but would add that you should also change one first and then wait say a week or two and then change out the other bulb and ballast.