LPS & PC Lighting

[zibba]

I'm planning a nano to be acan and other high end lps dominated and I'm wondering if anyone has some advise/experience on keeping LPS under power compacts. The tank is 12 gallons, so it's very shallow at 12-13". It's also going to be an open top rimless nano so I'm planning on doing a pendant style lighting. Current USA makes the Solana 55w CF light that I'd like to hang over this tank. Aesthetically, I believe the light will go well with the open top design. I've also looked at a few hang on back 70w fixtures and 70w halide pendants.

My main concern is ensuring that the acans/micros maintain their brilliant color under this set up. Not keeping any SPS, clams or anemones in this tank. Again, LPS and either ric or zoas only. Thanks!

- Z

 

[Reefer07]

I am sure most would say go with the MH but I grew many LPS successfully and they held their color under power compacts. It is probably agreed that halides are much much better but PC's get the job done I believe. I think it really comes down to how much money you want to spend and what you want to get out of it. Obviously MH is going to give a better quality of light and probably look a little more natural/brighter....

Just my 2 cents

 

[Scythanith]

I was also fine with PC's for a good two years before I upgraded to overdriven T5's. Would I go back... nope.... were they good at the time.... yep.

I've never kept SPS under PC's, but they were good for most LPS I had. I do have to add though, the difference between the PC's and the T5's was night and day, for colour rendition and growth alike!

But to answer your question, yes, you should be fine.

 

[zibba]

I have used both Halide and T5's over my main display so I understand your hesitation to recommend anyone to actually use PC lighting when the technology offers so much more today. I'd like to do t5's over this little tank, but there aren't any 12" t5 fixtures (at least that I've been able to track down). I've also got a local reefer who has the above mentioned fixture that he's giving me a really good deal on, so I'm going to give it a shot for now. If it's not keeping the corals happy, I'll make the switch or DIY a halide into the fixture.

Thanks for the reassurance and advise. Much appreciated.

 

[jadeguppy]

One reason people switched away from PC is that the bulbs need replaced every 6 months. Mh can go a year and T5 go a year to a year & half. In the long run, PC cost more.

 

[kev apsley]

If your gonna do it right use T-5's all the best LPS tanks that I have seen run T-5 lighting

 

[Justin74]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13047806#post13047806 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zibba
I have used both Halide and T5's over my main display so I understand your hesitation to recommend anyone to actually use PC lighting when the technology offers so much more today. I'd like to do t5's over this little tank, but there aren't any 12" t5 fixtures (at least that I've been able to track down) . I've also got a local reefer who has the above mentioned fixture that he's giving me a really good deal on, so I'm going to give it a shot for now. If it's not keeping the corals happy, I'll make the switch or DIY a halide into the fixture.

Thanks for the reassurance and advise. Much appreciated.

 

[kev apsley]

http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=31350&cat=739&page=1

it's 18" long you hang it and split the difference 3" on each end, if your hanging it will won't look too big imho

 

[Justin74]

Well, if money isnt an issue, this would be perfect for a 12 gallon nano:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+18689&pcatid=18689
The most versatil(adjustable kelvin rating and dusk/dawn effect) and efficient lighting option mentioned yet that would easily fit over your tank with an 1.5" on each end to spare.

-Justin

 

[zibba]

Justine74, that's a very nice fixture and would be perfect if I had some more cash to blow on this nano. Unfortunately, I'm not ready to commit that much cash to this little project.

Do you think that a pendant style light like this PENDANT would be way too much for LPS only? I'm worried about heat and the light being too intense, however, both may be able to be controlled with adjusting the height.

I'm asking because a local reefer has a good deal on the same light.

Thanks for your advise fellow LPS addicts.

 

[kev apsley]

That would work fine, put a 20k Radium in it and you'll be able to adjust the height a bit to compensate for the smaller tank, just raise it up if need be