lighting and flow recommendation for new tank?

[mskurdah]

Hi:

I'm getting a new tank (upgrading from my tiny Nano):

Dimensions 28L X 22W x 15H.

I'd appreciate some lighting and flow recommendations.

I'm considering the Current Orbit: has a 150MH and 2x65 Act. Is this too much light since the tank won't be very tall?

My current stock:
2 Brains
Frogspawn
Bunch of mushrooms
Zoas.
Acan.

For flow i'm thinking 3 Maxijets spread throughout.

I'm still a beginner, so would appreciate some input.

Thanks!

 

[jasper24]

If you are going to focus on LPS and Softies I think that the lighting above will be fine. I have an Aqualight Pro (150W MH and 2 x 65W Actinics) over my 58G tank which I think is like 22 inches deep and it is plenty of light. I have Acana Lords, Blasto's, Zoanthids, Micros, etc that are doing well.

 

[DesertBandits]

I think that would be pretty serious light for a tank only 15in deep, If you add sand it might even be more like 13 or even 12 in deep! That setup might work, just be sure to put none of those corals you just mentioned andwhere directly under the MH. Youll have to put everything on the sides and slowly move it closer to the middle. I recomend you get a lot more replies to this question on other boards before you go through with this idea.

 

[mskurdah]

Thanks for the feedback -- anyone else?

 

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Softies and LPS don't require such strong lighting, in general...or at least as I understand it. Some will actually bleach (lose their zooxanthellae) under strong lighting....especially if you place them directly under it right away (as opposed to slowly acclimating them/moving them toward the centre, as mentioned above).

Perhaps consider T5 lighting? Many options as far as bulbs, probably similar in cost, and not as hot.

If I'm not mistaken, the fixture you're looking at is approximately $370? And an equivalent T5 fixture is approximately $220 (w/ 4 T5 bulbs) or $325 (w/ 6 T5 bulbs), according to website.this