metal halide for 120

[fuscus]

Now that I know I would like to get
3-250 metal halide lights for over my 120 high
suplimented with the 2-96 w PC actinic 03's
I'll possibly go with all 10k's or a mix with 12k's
What I don't know is what kind of balasts to purchase.
Or retro would be good under my hood (definately want to make the balast remote)
Should I go with an electronic balasts, HQi balast, Pulse start.
What brand and do you have any recomendations?
And is the HQI a better balast?
thank you
newbie

 

[mlm]

It really depends on the type of corals you want to keep. My 120 is mainly SPS and clams and I have 2 400 watt MH with blueline e-ballasts and 6500k Iwasaki bulbs.

 

[fuscus]

I definately want inverts of various kinds and mostly soft corals. some stony's

 

[fuscus]

My tank is 60 x 18 x 24 125H
I wasn't sure about the Acrylic brace...
Others have told me that this would not have probles if you have a couple of fans.
Do you have a suggestion on what I should get?
Newbie

 

[mlm]

If you are not planning any SPS at all then go with the 250 so that heat will not be as much of an issue. I have to run a chiller on my tank with the 2 400s. I would go with Ice cap 250watt ballast with maybe Ushio 10k bulbs. Are you planning on having any actinic bulbs?

 

[fuscus]

i WAS THINKING ABOUT GOING WITH 10K AND MOSTLY 12K BULBS ALONG WITH TWO 96W PC ACTINIC 03

 

[mlm]

That lighting will be fine for LPS and softies and if you want SPS at the top of the tank.