Lighting Question

[jason78]

Current setup is a 100 gal 5'x2'x20"

I am running 4x150w xm 15k bulbs. I am beginning to think this isn't enough light because even my greens are turning a darker color.

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[Avenger]

Coral placement/light height at that point. Can you post a pic.

 

[jason78]

Older pic but same lights

 

[b7fig]

250w would probably have been better for your set up. But with your corals higher in the tank it should be enough. Browning can come because of many things, not just lights.

What are your phosphates and nitrates? What are all your water parameters?

 

[Wazzel]

With that lighting it might be tough to grow acros near the bottom, but LPS should do fine. Keep the SPS in the top 12 inches. Are you corals turning brown or just getting darker?

 

[stancfii]

Get better bulbs, the xm15k are poor in par. My best results for 150w were with radium bulbs. AB10k have the same par as most 250w, and appear around 13k in color (although they cost more than radiums). If bulb cost is an issue, look at the xm10k and supplement with an led strip.

 

[stancfii]

I looked it up, the Radium 150w have 80% more par than the 150w xm15k. With those bulbs, you won't need supplementation.

 

[jason78]

Thanks everyone. Nitrate and nitrite are both 0

I will look into another bulb change.

 

[jason78]

So does anyone think I could get better results from Kessil units?

 

[Wazzel]

So does anyone think I could get better results from Kessil units?

Maybe, but why toss out the equipment you have? It will work. I have a hard time recommending people toss working, adequate equipment.

 

[stancfii]

You'll get varying answers, but my vote is no. You already have proven technology, I think it would be a waste of money and 4 new bulbs would be far cheaper than 4 new led units. Take it from someone who spent $$$ chasing LEDs.

 

[cleverbs]

you'll get varying answers, but my vote is no. You already have proven technology, i think it would be a waste of money and 4 new bulbs would be far cheaper than 4 new led units. Take it from someone who spent $$$ chasing leds.

+1

 

[Wazzel]

Looking at you pic, you do not have many power heads or what not. How much flow do you have? Your issue could be other than lighting.

 

[Aquattro]

How old is this tank? And PO4 levels?

 

[jason78]

PO4 zero and I have two mp40 wes pumps. That pic was taken right after setup to show lights