Right now I am leaning toward the 175W
MH. It is almost no more cost than 6
T5 and the regular magnetic
ballast is much cheaper than eletronic one.
I guess my biggest issue is woudl the reduced daylight period be adequate with the 250s? That route could actually save money because while the bulbs are a litte more, they also would last longer on a shorter period.
I have no plans for a chiller either, but I also do not plan to crank the AC either. I am a real energy miser. One thing that helps me is the tank is in the basement so not quite as
hot as the rest of the house.
I think 175 shoudl be fine to start out at least. I'll also see what kind of heat those make and if i really think bigger would work unde rthe canopy without making too much heat. I could always upgrade from the 175 and use them on an extra tank or sell them or somehting.
