Is 250w MH overkill

[elefink]

OK, I'm gonna buy my lights. Now I'm wondering if I should buy a 175W or 250W. I have a 29g. That would make it 18" deep. I'd like to keep maximas and croceas. Is the 250 overkill? Is the 175 enough. Upgrading to a larger tank in a couple years is also on my mind.

What do you all think about blueline electronic ballasts?

[Chondro]

Go with the 250w for sure. Definitly not overkill.

No experience, with ballast mentioned.

[Travis]

My clams(crocea, maxima, derasa, hippopus) are all 20" from my bulbs. My 75 was lit with 2 X 250w Iwasaki, 1 X 250w XDE, and 440w VHO actinic. Recently upgraded to 2 X 400w HQI Ushio's with 440w VHO actinic with no adverse effects to the clams. IMO, it would be rather hard to give a clam "too much light". Haven't used the Blueline ballasts.

[ADS]

Definately not overkill-I have blueline on my sps system w/radiums. Work great. Adam

[Chris Lakies]

Not overkill, but also think about the heat factor, if you think heat will not be a factor go with the 250's. You won't regret it!

[elefink]

I've got an open top, and will be buying a pendant. So I'm hoping that the heat will disipate

[firechild]

Even with an open top, you will need a fan to cool the water in summer. I have a 150W "HQI" on a 25G with an open top and it still gets pretty warm.

[Aaron1100us]

I've got a 29 gallon open top with a 400 Watt MH on it. No heat problems at all, my heater even comes on once in a while and I keep temp at 80.