Its time to buy the lights for the tank, and what a learning experience it has been. I have narrowed it down to the fact that I would like to run Radiums overdriven by the
PFO HQI ballasts. My tank is 36 inches long and 25 inches tall (which is really the depth) Articles that I have read recommend 1 mh for ever 2 foot of tank. My tank is 2 and 1/2 feet long so that leaves me with a choice to make; and here they are:
Duals 250s for a total of 500 watts would cost me
$481 dollars up front plus
$160 for replacement of bulbs. This would give me plenty of coverage for my tank. It can mount 7.5 inches from the top of the water.
Choice number 2:
Single 400w would cost me
$310 up front and
$82 to replace the bulbs, but im not sure if it will give me the coverage. This would have to mount only 5.5 to 6.5 inches from the top of the water.
So what would you do? Im leaning toward the 400w since it is 171 dollars cheaper to start, 82 cheaper to replace the bulbs, 100 less watts to power.
