Going Full SPS

[richg315]

So i finally decided to make the move to a full SPS tank. The only question i have is what would be the most beneficial lighting for my tank? I currently have a monti which has grown like crazy and 2 stylophora frags that are doing well. I understand that these are the easier of the SPs to keep so just wanted everyones input as to what the ideal lighting would be for the more demanding sps corals. thanks and have a good one!!!

Rich

 

[chingchai]

Go for 400w.

 

[sedorusc]

what are the measurements on your tank?

 

[richg315]

Sedora,

Its a 29 gallon looks just like your 30 (saw it when i bought frags off ya last year, im the guy from auburn). I currently have a 30" nova extreme 2x24 10k t-5 setup, but thats only pumping out 48 total watts. That fixture is fine for what i have (assorted lps and few beginner sps) but i want to go totally sps. What do ya think? Also, do you have any frags you wanna sell?

Rich

 

[sedorusc]

are you looking for a fixture or retro. I have a 150 watt MH DE retro over my tank with a xm 10k bulb. will be selling it soon as I'm setting up a 90 gallon now. always have a few frags for sale. what are you looking for?

 

[LifeAquatic]

250 or 400 wt mh = )

 

[Dwyer]

From what I understand it all depends on how much money you want to spend. Metal halides are less expensive but give off a lot more heat. The lighting and color can be customized a multiple T5 system, but they can get pretty spendy.

 

[CleveYank]

Build a DIY LED ARRAY and call it a day.

 

[9thwonder]

i would go 250w mh or t5's. i have a 150w mh over my 24g NC and i think 250w would be better. leds are nice but are pricey.

 

[JSeymour]

It depends on how high light you want to go. I think a 250w mh with a pair of T5s for supplimental would be great for high light high color acros fading down to moderate/moderate-low light at the bottom(depending on substrate choice, ballast, bulb, reflector, etc.). Check out Sanjays page to help make your decision. A 400 watt may be a bit much, although hung correctly it would give you a much larger high light area for the serious acro collection, with plenty of swimming room for a few fish, for a while anyways.

If you can afford it or have the skills, LEDs are nice. I recently placed a "cheap" LED fixture on my lps tank. It looks dimmer, but the corals don't seem to stretch for the light as much and are much more colorful!

 

[russ13]

i have a 150w but my tank is only 12in deep.i think if i move to a 250w would it be to mutch?its a 24x24x12

 

[GlassMunky]

Get a MH T5 combo. I have a 150 and 2x24's over my 29 and all the SPS are doing great! a 250 wouldnt be bad either. all depends on your setup and how much cash your willing to shell out.

 

[sedorusc]

I think a 150 would suit your tank fine. I had a 250 radium over the tank when I sold you those corals. since switching alot of the color got better in my tank.

 

[MrKite24]

150 or 175watt metal halide should be fine. I had a 175 watt over my 29 gallon for 6 years with no problems.

 

[ChicagoReefOne]

I've got a 150W MH +130W PC's on my 30G and it's fine (tho I wish the PCs were T5s).

I would definitely go with a MH set up, I've seen nice T5 with SPS but if you just want something pretty easy and effective MH is the way to go. Though you will need to consider heat issues, and possibly energy consumption.

 

[Dwyer]

I would stick a 250w on there if it was me.