Mh Vs Power Compact

[Jbram]

So I am thinking of switching out the lighting I got with my tank set up.  First I am running two 250w MH.  I have a 120 gallon planted freshwater set up.  It seems as though there is too much light.  Also the heat being produced is keeping everyone in the neighborhood warm and its 85 outside.  
 
I was looking at going with a 256w power compact set up I found.  Its 48" long and take 4ea 65w 10k bulbs.  My tank is 6ft. long.
 
Would this work or would the plants not get enough light to thrive?
 
Thanks for the help.

 

[Zante]

It depends very much on what plants you have. Many require lots of light, many require much less.
 
Also consider the possibility of using LEDs. They might be more expensive to buy (less if you go DIY), but are cooler than even fluorescent, much more power efficient and you won't have to change the bulbs every year.
 
This guy built an LED setup for a 6'x6' tank with 300 canadian dollars, including separate dimmers for each color.
 
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rLFh3Q_FEA

 

[DrRob]

It does indeed make a huge difference what planting you've got, along with CO2 and fertiliser regimes etc.
 
I've moved this to the planted lighting section.

 

[Jbram]

As of now I have 2 Anubias, 3 Amazon Swords, 3 Wisteria, 1 Rotala, 3 Anacharis, 6 Hair Grass, 4 Java Fern, 5 Cryptocoryne, and  8 Amazon Vallisneria. 
 
I am using Aquavitro brand liquid plant supplements.  The first is Propel, which is a time released iron, twice a week.  The second is Envy, whish is a carbohydrate, vitamin, amino acid and polyunsaturated acid plant supplement that I use 3 times a week.  I am not using any CO2.  These items are what the owner of the tropical fish store in the area uses on his plants and has great success.  He does not use any CO2.