- Heat generated by HQI ballasts.  They are in my dropped ceiling and I worry about the heat being generated in such a tight space.

- Would like to set up frag tank and don't really want to add yet another pendant to my setup. I would use one of the 5 I currently have over the tank because I think the Lumanarcs would give me better coverage so I could go down to 4.

- These DE lamps are a PIA to change - I've broken quite a few in the past 6 months.

- Keeping the UV shield on these DE lamps clean is also a PIA!

My questions are: would 250 SE lamps be strong enough for the depth of my tank, or should I really consider going to 400 SE?  Will I notice a big difference between the DE and the SE?  Will the electronic ballasts generate less heat and use less electricity?  Which set up would you choose for a tank my size?

Any advice you can give would be most appreciated!  TIA -

Daire (from the BRS)

Regarding your lighting question... either setup has great merit. Frankly... I'm leaning towards you keeping what you have though. DE lamps are generally superior for coral growth. I suspect too that you are changing them too often like most aquarists. Some MH lamps can go for years(!) and maintain over 90% of their original CRI/PAR contrary to what the marketing folks tell you Use a PAR meter (see my threads in this forum on Apogee brand Quantum meters) to confirm if/when you should change your lights.

You also really do not need 400 watt lamps here. A waste of electricity at best... and harmful (excessive) to some of the LPS and softies you are likely keeping.

As for the UV shield... a lens is needed one way or another with most MH lamps. Period. And even when not in place (fluorescents), the bulbs need wiped down weekly for dust and debris for optimal light delivery to the aquarium. You cannot get around this weekly task no matter what setup you choose.

Furthermore... as long as you have a garden reef aquarium with an unnatural (albeit beutiful) mix of corals... no one light will satisfy all. Certain lamps brands will support some corals you keep better than others, but none will support all. It's an unreasonable expectation for corals that came from a difference of 30+ meters on a reef to reside in the same <1 m aquarium.

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Anthony Calfo

I love the "sway factor" of softies and lps, but can't stop myself from buying the colorful sps - so a mixed garden reef is what I want!

Thanks again for the advice - you've likely save me a lot of money.  I also posted the question to Steven - can't hurt to get multiple expert opinions.

Hope to see again soon in Boston.

Daire

I very much hope to see you in Boston soon... a fab town and great club/friends there

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Anthony Calfo