lighting questions

[rockkfish]

taking the plunge to metal halide a few questions

72 gal bowfront would like 2 x 250 + pc

which bulbs are easier to find hqi or mogul base moguls r cheaper are they as effective

would like to keep some sps (acroporas) will that be enough light

good systems recommendations

decent priced websites??

 

[MT79]

which bulbs are easier to find hqi or mogul base moguls r cheaper are they as effective

The DE(hqi) lamps put out more PAR generally, but require UV shields. They also require electronic ballsts. Both types are readily available in 250w.

would like to keep some sps (acroporas) will that be enough light

Yes. I'm not sure exactly how deep a 72 bow front is, but 250w SE(moguls) are good in tanks up to 24" deep. Acro's should do fine at mid level (maybe even lower) to high in your tank. Here is a great site for comparing 250w SE lamp/ballast performance along w/ some pictures to show the color difference between manufacturers and K- http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

 

[DragonForce]

You could do sps with that lighting. If you can afford it though I would consider going HQI, but HQ(mogul based) would do fine. I would go with 10k MH with plenty of actinics.