150w or 250w HQI for my Solana

[genghis]

I was trying to decide between a 150w or 250w Current Outer Orbit w/ T5 actinics for my new Solana. I'm leaning towards the 150w because I don't want heat issues and it's a little cheaper, but I I also want to make sure I can grow colorful sps or place clams lower in the tank. Is a 150w strong enough to make it down 20"?

I currently have a Aquapod 12g w/ 70w MH and any SPS I place below halfway grows but looses color and that's only a 13" high tank.

 

[roscoe]

I would go with the 250 so then when you upgrade you don't have to upgrade your lighting. JMO

 

[dailydriven911]

I agree go with a 250 the more light the better. I have zero heat issues with my solana and have a 25Ow lumenarc above my tank.

Jayson

 

[genghis]

Thanks for the input. I was hoping you might respond. I've followed your tank a little and love the way it looks. I wasn't going to have as much flow, only 2 K1's and the return (35x). I know you have a raging torrent. So if you're not having heat issues, I should be fine.

 

[roscoe]

Should'nt have any heat issue just put a 6'' fan behind your tank and you will be good. I have 250w halides and 2 65w pc actinics over mt 40b and my temp never go above 79 degrees.

 

[mtuttle02]

IMO definitely 250 for SPS!

 

[genghis]

mtuttle02, I notice you're running a 150w. Are you keeping any sps in there and if so, how are they doing?

 

[Skeptic9962]

yeah idd definatly go with 250 im kicking myself for not going with 250 over mine everything in my cube is doing good but it would make it alot easier when placing corals if i had a 250 wouldnt have to worry about if its getting enough light.

 

[mtuttle02]

mtuttle02, I notice you're running a 150w. Are you keeping any sps in there and if so, how are they doing?

I actually sold the 150 to McLighting yesterday- My 250 will be here Wednesday. As far as my corals I have mostly LPS (for now) with some Rose Millepora and also a Derasa Clam- they are thriving but im sure they will be much happier with More light- Once the 250 comes in im going to go SPS.