which lights for 76 gallon 250w or 175w?

[fishwhisperer]

Hi:
I am going to be putting up a pendant light over a 76 gallon bow front (actually semi circle). I am going to be using either a 175w mogul or 250w mogul. I would prefer the 250w but am concerned about heat in the tank. Do you think there would be much heat difference between the 175 or 250? The tank currently has just 2- 96w PC's on it and it runs at 78F. I cannot put a chiller on this tank. I would put a fan in canopy for heat exchange. Also, what are your thoughts on a 20K bulb. Would you think that would look too blue...this would be for mainly soft corals and a LPS.. Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

 

[crewdawg1981]

If its mainly Softies and LPS... just go with the 175s. Those would even work with SPS if you put them high up on the tank.

As for the 20K... thats all preference. I like the blue-ness of a 20K. Look into Reeflux 12Ks, they're pretty darn close in color yet closer to the 10K for growth.

 

[lilrobb]

250W,
Not because you need em, but because there are better bulb choices.

 

[jead85]

Ive got two 250's above my 75. It does great. Awesome growth

 

[skriz]

You can easily get away with 175 watters; take a look at Lee's tank that was powered with the 175w bulbs in LB reflectors.

But, Robin has a great point about bulb choice. You'll have way more options with the 250w route. The Reeflux 12kk bulb has a nice colour and is fairly inexpensive. I also really like the radium 20kk.