90 gallon sps

[vinesofetc]

I'm currently in the process of startiny first tank, a 90 gallon sps, will 2 400w mh suffice? And about water flow, I have 2 large power heads, will they work, or do I need more? And any tips?

 

[allsps40]

First off I would go with 2 250s with good refectors and some t5s instead of the 400w. I also recommend you do a ton for searching and reading here on RC on keeping sps, this being your first reef tank and starting out with sps. Just keeping sps alive can be hard let alone keeping them colorful. I have been keeping sps for 3 years now and am just getting good enough to get good color.

 

[vinesofetc]

Why 2 250s?

 

[allsps40]

2 400s is overkill. You can get a select a watt ballast and if you feel you need to switch to 400s all you need to do is change bulbs. I run 2 250s over my 75g and get great growth and color, if I switched to a 90g I would run the same lights just a bit lower to the water.

 

[MammothReefer]

what dimension is the 90? Standard or 3x2x2?

 

[vinesofetc]

which specific t5's? and yes standard

 

[msp307]

I would run only 1 400w I have a standard 90 with a 400 w radium and have no issues just keep it high up so you don't burn the corals

 

[emoore]

I have a standard 90 gallon and I run 2 250w radiums with 2 blue plus T5s. I really like the setup. I think 400w would be too much.

 

[ms123]

Agree with everything stated above. I think 2-400w is too much. Also, a single 400w fixture on a regular 90 will cast shadows at the center brace. I run a 90 gallon with 2-250w with 2-54w t5s and can/do keep sps everywhere and clams also. I have great color and growth. Also agree that if you are new to coral, sps is not for beginners.

 

[vinesofetc]

correction, its going to be a 75, so about water flow, what should i use?

 

[msp307]

On my 90 I don't have a center brace

 

[msp307]

I have awesome growth and color my neighbor has 250s and t5s and my color outshines his all the time. And he's been into sps longer then me. Now if it's a 75 then different story. Go with 250s

 

[RynosReef]

correction, its going to be a 75, so about water flow, what should i use?

Sps need strong random flow. I'd recommend either tunze or vortech.. I have a vortech mp40 in my 75. It's a little expensive up front but it's an all in one unit. Tunze is great too but you have to buy individual powerheads and a controller which adds up to as much or more than the vortech. Both are great companies and put out great products.

 

[msp307]

Ecotech mp40