ideal lighting for zoas and other softies/LPS?

[mr. bojangsjang]

Over a ten gallon tank, what wattage and spectrum of MH would be ideal for zoas? What is the ideal lighting for other soft corals and LPS?

I was thinking 70 watts of MH at 14000K, but I will see whats ideal before buying.

 

[ficklefins]

That 70w MH should be good! I run 250w over a 20H and the only issue I have is too much evaporation, so keep that in mind.

 

[JGoslee]

A 70watt would work nicely over a 10gal. As Ficklefins said the only thing you would need to worry about would be evaporation and possibly heat, but a few well placed fans would solve any heat issues you might have.

 

[mr. bojangsjang]

Thanks! 70 watts is OK for LPS too right? Also, what spectrum would be good for the zoas, other softies, and LPS?

 

[ficklefins]

With 70w you should be able to keep just about anything in there.

I don't remember if your MH was a double ended or single ended bulb? I really like the 14k phoenix bulbs (250w DE), because it is a good balance of actinic and white. No need for any additional lighting.

BTW, if you are replacing some older lighting with the 70w MH you may want to start your MH high up and only for a few hours to start. You could start with them at 12inches above the surface and on 4-5hrs. Then slowly start to move it down till you reach your desired height.

Good luck and make sure you send us some pics.

 

[mr. bojangsjang]

Thanks fickle!

I actually have even bought the tank yet, but will for sure post pics when I get it all set up.

When you say I can keep just about anything under the MH, does that mean SPS will be good uner it? what about some of the lower light clams?

 

[ficklefins]

Seriously,

If you want to know if your setup would keep clams then you should try the clam section on RC. Remember it is alwas better to ask before you buy!

I'm pretty sure that your lights are enough, but you will face a lot of issues outside of that. One being water chemisty, and the other being the need to feed clams. When you feed clams phytoplankton in a bigger tank it doesn't impact the water chemistry as much as it does in a smaller tank.

I have a feeling that most, if not all, people will tell you that keeping a clam in a 10g is not a good idea.

 

[smp]

I wouldn't bother with a 70. If you ever upgrade your tank you'll have to buy lighting again.
Also, I don't think you can keep 'anything you want' under 70 watts of MH. I'm having a hard time keeping 'anything I want' under 175 watts of MH over an 18" tall tank.