Bulbs 26" off waterline....250 or 400??

GrouperGenius · Apr 27, 2009

On my new build, 18" depth, with the centerline of the SE bulbs being 26" off the waterline, do ya'll think 250W is enough. Or should I step up to 400W?? I'm DIY my own 18 x 18 lumens.

Mainly zoa/paly/softie/ with a mix of higher end SPS.

kfennell · May 14, 2009

Is there no way that you can redesign them to be closer, that is way way too far, you will be wasting so much light...

Paul_N · May 19, 2009

If you have to be 26" off of the water. Then I would go 400w. What kind of reflectors are you using. You might be able to use lumenbrites and get away with 250's but I'm not sure.

Murfman · May 19, 2009

Or go with DE bulbs for more punch.

Paul_N · May 19, 2009

Murfman said:
Or go with DE bulbs for more punch.

Is there that much difference between SE and DE bulbs if you were using the same reflector? Just curious because I have only used DE bulbs.

EliteReefs · May 19, 2009

Paul_PSU said:
Is there that much difference between SE and DE bulbs if you were using the same reflector? Just curious because I have only used DE bulbs.

different yes BUT NOT double like people used to say when the first came around the scene. for the most part there is not a big enough difference to talk about.

as for the OP go with 400. thats what i run and i'm about 15 off the surface

GrouperGenius · May 19, 2009

Paul_PSU said:
If you have to be 26" off of the water. Then I would go 400w. What kind of reflectors are you using. You might be able to use lumenbrites and get away with 250's but I'm not sure.

I made my own out of material from Sunlight Supply.

JR's Reef · May 19, 2009

Looks good. With the height I think I would do 400's

Nate82 · May 19, 2009

Can I just ask why they'll be so far off the surface? I would think that would give me a headache looking at the tank with the halides shining in my face..

Paul_N · May 19, 2009

Very nice work on the reflectors! Do you have a pattern for that? I was thinking about doing that also when I upgrade my tank.

GrouperGenius · May 19, 2009

Nate82 said:
Can I just ask why they'll be so far off the surface? I would think that would give me a headache looking at the tank with the halides shining in my face..

I built all this with the idea/premise being more of a look down tank. I love seeing my corals top down. If the lights were any lower, I would be burning my hair all the time.