Hello everyone, I'm new to Reef Central. I have a question on the lighting needs for my tank. The tank I have is 120g (48"X 24"X 24") made by All Glass Aquariums. It currently houses a mixed variety of corals including softs, lps, sps (montipora, acropora, hydnopora) as well as two clams (crocea, deresa). The lighting I currently have for this tank is a Sunpod 48" 2X 150w metal halide 10,000K. The question I have is if this lighting setup is sufficient for the corals and clams that I am keeping. I would also like to ask what would be a better setup to promote the best coral color and growth? I also have a 1/4 chiller so there will be no problems with temperature issues. Thanks everyone.
Lighting Needs
- Thread starter MIDNwill
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RSJennings
New member
10,000k is great for growth but not so much for color.
20,000k is great for color but not somuch for growth.
If you want a happy median 15,000k or 14,000k is your best bet. In other word blue light is good for color, yellow light is good for growth.
20,000k is great for color but not somuch for growth.
If you want a happy median 15,000k or 14,000k is your best bet. In other word blue light is good for color, yellow light is good for growth.
RSJennings
New member
I don't think clams are photosynthetic, but I could be wrong. I dont know much about clams.
Generaly 5 watts per gal will suffice. If your tank is more sps coral oriented you might want more. I have about 9 watts per gal.
Generaly 5 watts per gal will suffice. If your tank is more sps coral oriented you might want more. I have about 9 watts per gal.
RSJennings
New member
Ok clams are photosynthetic as well as filter feeder, and according to live aquaria they need bright lighting to live & grow.
So I would think if your clam is at the bottom of a 24" deep tank
you will want a light that creates a high quantity of lumens.
(higher wattage light go deeper in to your water, so just because
you have 5 or even 10 wpg you may not have enough light/lumens getting to the bottom of your tank to keep a clam growing.)
So I would think if your clam is at the bottom of a 24" deep tank
you will want a light that creates a high quantity of lumens.
(higher wattage light go deeper in to your water, so just because
you have 5 or even 10 wpg you may not have enough light/lumens getting to the bottom of your tank to keep a clam growing.)
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