metal halide light question

[toonman]

well, I have a 75 gal reef and am currently running one 400 watt mh 14000k light and 2 65watt actinics and 2 65 watt 6500k. all the lights are about 15" above the tank. I'm about to run 2 400watt mh's with 2 of the pc's. do you think this will this be too much light? or will the 2 mh's be fine by themselves.

 

[scsinet]

Well that's a lot of light. If it's because you stumbled across a cheap or free halide fixture, be sure to run the numbers in electrical costs. Saving $200 on a fixture doesn't make sense if you waste $300 in electricity each year.
Also take into account the heating. With this much light you may well need a chiller.
Even without your fluorescent fixtures, the halides alone are an awful lot. (2) 250s would be a more appropriate choice.

 

[trippkid]

Originally Posted by SCSInet
Well that's a lot of light. If it's because you stumbled across a cheap or free halide fixture, be sure to run the numbers in electrical costs. Saving $200 on a fixture doesn't make sense if you waste $300 in electricity each year.
Also take into account the heating. With this much light you may well need a chiller.
Even without your fluorescent fixtures, the halides alone are an awful lot. (2) 250s would be a more appropriate choice.
Agree 100%, (2) 250's are more than enough for a 75gal.

 

[chris22582]

Im putting together a 75 and Im using 2 175's and 2 vhos. for a 75 400's are a lot of light.

 

[toonman]

thanks for the replies. anyone want to trade two 250's for 2 400's.

 

[scsinet]

Oh I bet if you post in the classified forum you'll get your trade.