250 or 400 w MH ?

[yeffre kix]

I am in the process of upgrading my reef to 300 gal. ( 96"X30"X25").
I need to know what wattage of lights to purchase. I am looking at 4 MH bulbs either 250 w or 400 w plus PC actinics. I don't want to be limited on coral choices in the future because I purchased inadequate lighting. What is the difference in heat build up and electricity useage ?

 

[flatzboy]

Imo, 4 250's should git ur dun pretty well, 4 250 wat hqi's in reef optix lll pendants mounted in yur canopy would even be better but a little more pricey.

 

[golfish]

its up to you ...I'd do 4x250 watt DE's. The new bulbs out now are really nice, much better then they were 4-5 years ago
I'd maybe consider VHO's over PC's, the bulb cost is going to save you some cash.

 

[reefraff]

You could look at T5 fluorescents for supplimental as well. The actinics aren't great but they have a Blueplus lamp that puts out a very cool looking deep blue light that fluoresces corals pretty good and brings out the blue in SPS corals.

 

[thegrog]

Go with 4x250 HQI (double ended) pendants. Use 20,000K bulbs and you may not need supplemental actinics.