lol would this be too much light?

[fishnut321]

Just out of curiosity would 2x 250watt radiums be too much light on a 40 breeder sps tank??? I have one currently and as my tank progresses im curious if having the extra bulb would help or hinder keeping lots of sps. thanks!

[60Cubed]

I had 2 400w 10k XM's on a 60g cube. I think you'd be okay.

[fishnut321]

Other than the heat, what issues would i have as far as corals, would i still be able to keep hammers, acans etc?

[iceman79]

If you slowly acclimate them to your light they should be fine

[crsaz]

you'll be fine. I've got a 250 over my 20g. as long as you keep a fan blowing to keep the bulb heat off the water you'll be just fine

[Boyman]

I was contemplating the same thing!! I think I'm going to go for 1x250 for now and add another one once my tank gets stocked.

Are you planning on getting HQI or SE?

I can't decide on the two

[fishnut321]

ive got a se in a spider reflector, but as my tank progresses towards sps is seems like i only have enough light directly under the reflector... the reflector spreads light through out the tank, but it seems to be less intense

[zachfishman]

Holy smokes that's a lot of light! I'd stick with just the one 250 and a good reflector. Your wallet will thank you (power bill), and you won't have to go through as much trouble acclimating new corals - especially in a shallow tank where you can't really step them up from the bottom.

On the other hand, what's wrong with 2 x 150watt HQI?

[Rowe78]

I would just use one 250w. Get a reflector that spreads the light out more.

[serpentman]

I agree with the above recommendations. Spider reflectors are no comparison to some of the higher end reflectors. IMO, you'll probably get as much light from 1 decent reflector combo than with 2 spider reflectors.

[cubsare1]

I have 1 250w over a 40 breeder with lumen arc mini reflector and its not enough light spread for the 36" tank. Even this reflector only spreads the light out over about 24". 2 would be intenese in the middle where the 2 cross. might want 1 with a good reflector and a couple t5's on each side

[lwolfe44]

i have 2-250w hqi on a 50 gal and have bleached new corals real quick. i have to acclimate them for weeks......

[plancton]

I would say its totally inecessary, you could get almost the same with a good reflector and only 1x250, plus you save on electricity and replacement bulbs. Also the way you are right now you´re adding to much heat.

Oh yeah, but it depends on the size of the tank, if its a 36" L like somebody mentioned then the light spread might not be enough to cover it all, but I would still not get the second bulb, if your tank is less than 36"L then only 1 bulb with a good reflector would be more than enough in my opinion.

[JustinReef]

Its not too much and probably necessary. I had a single 250 over a 40breeder with a lumenmax pendant and it only covered maybe 2/3 of the tank max.

[sarmo]

i used a DE 250 in a PFO pendant and it covered a 40 breeder perfect. i would go with that if i had it to do again.
IMO 2 250's is to much. heat and acclimation would be issues. not to mention power consumption....