175SE or 150DE for a 58G

[rleechb]

I just bought a 58G (36 x 18 x 20 oceanic), and I'm planning on making this an sps tank. I was considering dual 250's (either se or de) over the tank w/ actinic supplements, but due to the low water volume, and summer heat around here, believe that I'd be better off with a lower wattage bulb. I don't mind spending the extra on pendants, but what do you guys think... should I go with the DE setup, or SE setup? I really want to make sure I have plenty of PAR heading into the water, as I'm planning an sps dominated tank. Also, what size canopy should I get? I'm about to order one, and was considering either 14" or 15". Should I change the height, depending on which bulbs I go with? Thanks.

[ChickenCannoneer]

I would think to go with the dual 150 DE but that is just my thought. HTH, Tim

[rleechb]

i was thinking the same thing... just can't really decide. Btw, I'm planning on going 10k with the bulbs... any great 10k SE or DE bulbs available that would sway my decision one way or another?

[JCurry]

Taging along, I am setting up the same tank and going with dual 175 14Ks. I want to see what people think. Thanks.

[JonTarutis]

I've been running the 2' Maristar with 250de over my 58 for some time now. I don't get full coverage from end to end but I find it actually works well.... keep the highest light stuff to the center and lower light stuff towards the ends. Geisemann 20k with a pair of T5 actinics and I get a pleasent easy on the eyes blue hue to the tank. Ran the Megachrome 12.5k for a short while...BRIGHT and white but too harsh on my eyes... so back to the 20k. Just my 2 cents....
Well here's an old shot....
http://webpages.charter.net/jtarutis/full-tank.jpg

[blufish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7668494#post7668494 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rleechb
i was thinking the same thing... just can't really decide. Btw, I'm planning on going 10k with the bulbs... any great 10k SE or DE bulbs available that would sway my decision one way or another?

How do you define "great"? Seriously, people look for different qualities in lamps, which is why the market supports so many different varieties.

[JonTarutis]

Exactly blufish! Choosing lamps based on a picture you saw on RC is also not the way to go. Lamp popularity also seems to come and go... are the Phoenix's still popular? I've noticed over the years that when a new lamp is made out to be the greatest thing going very rarely do you see someone regretting their purchase. After spending the money and buying into what someone told me over the internet I would be rather ashamed to admit that I wasn't happy with my purchase! Also the number on the box is just that... a number. There is no standard which all lamp manufacturer's adhere to when marketing the color temperature.

[jman77]

I have 2 x 150's and they are nice. I run a reeflux 10k on one side and a Phoenix 14k on the other. I like the reeflux alot better than the P14 sine it doesnt make things look so unnatural. But with that new Iwasaki 14k 175w that came out, i would do 175w's

[rleechb]

Well, I define "great" in a 10k, as good coral growth + decent coloration. This isn't my main concern though; I'm mostly concerned with whether 175W SE or 150DE's will be enough light for even the most demanding SPS in a 21" deep tank. If so, would SE or DE be a wiser decision, and why?

[rleechb]

^