light times

[Boosted Rxp]

i have a 110 gallon with 2 96 watt 10000 k and 2 96 watt actinic bulbs i have been just having the lights on when i see fit and want to learn do's and dont's and times i should run them, right now i dont even use the actinics at all,someone straighten me out on what to do or not to do,i have a clam and some corals now and want a healthy setup,steve

 

[sbeason]

Steve, I have always heard that if you are going to successfully keep clams, you need metal halide. I run my actinics for about 10 hours and my metal halide for 8 hours. Looking at your total wattage, you have around 3.5 watts per gallon. I may be incorrect here, but 5 to 6 should be the target with soft corals and if you go with hard ones, you will definitely need some metal halide. Thanks, Steve

 

[saltyunderground]

I agree. You really need more light for clams, anemones and many corals.

 

[Dert42]

i think the whole gallons per watt thing is fooey.
it all depends on the depth of the tank etc.

my tank is long and shallow, so i think my watts count more then a tank that would be stout and deeper.

theres my 2 cents on that.

 

[Shooter7]

Because it has not only to do with watts, but penetration of that light. PC's don't really penetrate very far while halides do.

 

[Dert42]

exactadactly!

 

[Boosted Rxp]

i put the clam almost to the top so hes getting light,i dont think he would make it on the bottom

 

[stlouisguy]

Steve, what the heck you doing with a clam. They need a TON of light. Get your rear over here, build the light rack so I can get this tank going and you can buy my MH system!!!!!

 

[geoxman]

My entire tank is under 400w MH at only 10&3/4 inches deep and the colors that have sprung out is amazing! Keep in mind I do not own nor would own a stick, only zoos and rics. The higher intensity the light the better for most corals as long as they are acclimated. JMHO and good luck!

 

[Boosted Rxp]

clark i will be there sunday morning,before i leave i will have rack built and lights on,i was told that the clam would be ok if i put him up high close to the light

 

[levon15]

and who told you this ?

 

[zrs6v4]

yea Im the guy who bought your light awhile back.. I have the 120 gallon, 24 inches deep I have around 560 watts in mine, 2 175 watt metal halides 2 96 watt actinics and also LED moonlights. I have definetly learned a lo about lights. I run my metal halides from 12:00PM to 8:00 P.M, my Actnics from 10:00A.M-10:00P.M, and my moonlights and sump light from 10:00Pm to 10:00 A.M

 

[DrBDC]

I run my halides for 9 (11:30-8:30), my actinics for 14(9-11) and my moonlight whenever the moon is, it's controlled for intensity and timing by the computer.

 

[Boosted Rxp]

someone today said to start slow with the metal halides when i get them this month,what like 2 or 4 hours at first?

 

[Boosted Rxp]

also can i get by with 150 watt or do i need 250?

 

[DrBDC]

I would do 250's on a 110. If you go with a 175 you are going to have very little bulb choice that can produce enough par to be worth your while.