First time MH purchase questions

[Flatfish]

I'm putting together a 100g system standard size acrylic (60W x 18D x 24H). I will be purchasing a retro kit from Hellolights soon and need to make a decision on the exact product. This 100g will hold the contents of two older systems I currently have running. On one of these systems is running 48" VHO on an Icecap 660 (2 actinic, 2 50/50). I will be moving this VHO over to the 100g to supplement the MH yet to be purchased. I am thinking of purchasing two 250W Iwasaki retro kits whose ballasts I'll put into and old dual-100W Coralife enclosure I happen to have. My goal with this 100g is to be able to grow a larger variety of coral specimens than my small collection of softies. With that said:

Should I think of going with 400W for this system, or is that way over kill?

Should I run two or all four VHO?

Is there a better bulb than Iwasaki in terms of price/performance?

Thanks TRT!

[Doug1]

FF since you already have the VHO I would go with the Iwasakis(surprise huh) You might want to consider the 400 if you want SPS or Clams, but I think the 250 will be ok for a lot of stuff it you put it up high

[PaintGuru]

Yeah keep the VHO (if you can fit all 4 great, but 2 are ok for actinic). I guess if you ever even have a remote chance of going SPS/Clams ever, go for the 400W, mainly because the price difference between bulbs and ballasts is so minimal. It will only really cost you electricity in the long run. Do make sure you have sufficient cooling (fans, etc) so your tank does not overheat. This would be another reason to go for 250Ws I guess. Good luck, Hellolights is a nice place to order from!!

[Flatfish]

Thanks for the advise. I'd like the option to do the SPS/clams down the road. Since there little to no difference in price maybe 400w is the way to go. Heat is a concern. Last summer was unusually hot here and I had some bad days even with the VHO. Guess I can manipulate that by not running them or how about a that DIY chiller?!

[Casey]

you will need a chiller if you are having problems with vhos now during the summer I have clams in my 100 and I have 250 watters they love it.

[Flatfish]

It was more a problem with the ambient temperature then it was wit the VHO's. Very short lived, but I lost a six-spot gobie to the heat. This summer I will have a chiller for the hot days.

Nice clam!