Enough Light?

[ggk1988]

I just upgraded the lighting in my biocube 29 to 144 w pc.and i have a couple questions.

1.in determining watts per gallon do you go by how many gallons the tank is supposed to hold or how many are actually in there( due to displacement when adding rock sand etc.)

2. is this enough for most lps and soft corals?

 

[BLockamon]

Well, watts per gallon is at best an estimate and not really that good of a measure of lighting needs. That's because the different types of lighting (MH, T5, PC) had different efficiencies in converting watts to light (lumens).

That said, when speaking watts per gallon, it usually refers to tank rating rather than actual water volume.

Also, 144w PC over a 29 should be fine for LPS and softies.

 

[BLockamon]

One other thing, watch your temperature. You'll want it to be pretty stable and <82F for most corals. The all-in-one tanks can get hot, particularly with extra light. If it gets too high, you may need to integrate a fan in there.

 

[ggk1988]

thanks for the reply. i know that it is just an estimate but didnt know how it was measured. btw i did upgrade the fans as well and so far the temps have been stable around 80-81