175w MH for a 30G

[johnvu713]

I have a 175 watt MH with reflector is this alone enough for my 30 G high? I plan to go sps once my water is stable.

[aclos3]

I am currently debating about lighting for my 29g (18 inches tall).

I am considering the following options:

-150/175W, 10k (XM), and supplement with actinic t5s as needed.
-250W, 14k (Phoenix), and hopefully not have to supplement.

I am pretty sure I will go with the 250W option with an Icecap eballast. I want to grow some sps as well, and I like the somewhat more bluish tints.

What type of bulb and ballast is it? There is a really wide range of lighting output you can get depending on bulb type and ballast.

Id say stick with what you have now, try some lower light sps at first, then work up to the more light demanding species and see how things go. If they are not doing well low enough in the tank for you, then you may want to consider upgrading or supplementing.

[johnvu713]

i have a 175 w 10K hamilton with one 50/50 daylight pc 65 watt

[NewSchool04]

I would go 250W. I have a 30 gallon Oceanic cube and I started out with 150W pendant and I was getting decent growth but when I went 250W, the growth was noticibly better. I didn't have any adjusted heat issue with the 250W either.
I think 150W is fine but the nature of this hobby is to upgrade, might as well save $$$ innitially and go 250W.

[seacowboy]

Aclos if you go with the 250 phoenix you should get a HQI ballast and not an E ballast. I've heard that E ballasts and especially ice caps are not good with phoenixes. With my 250 im gonna go with the PFO