LPS Tank Lighting

[Falcon53]

I think I am close to being done with trying to keep a mostly SPS tank.

I am considering going all LPS. I have some LPS in my current tank, but they are not what I would call "thriving."

Anyway, I am trying to figure out what lighting would work well enough, and also what might work best. I currently run a single 250W Radium MH 20K over my 60 gallon cube (24x24x24). Based on the appearance of my current LPS, I'm wondering if this is too much light. The colors are "washed out." All LPS are on the bottom, and the light is hung 16" from the surface of the water.

I guess my question is, is this too much light? If so, would it make sense to just get a 175w MH bulb and be done with it? Or will T5 be much better? If T5, the 4 bulb or 6 bulb ATI? I am still a little weary of LEDS, but I might be open to those. I am not going to do any T5/LED hybrid because the prices are completely absurd.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Miguelh1302]

Can it be that you are not been able to see the colors right under that lighting????


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[jayball]

Before you spend money on it test your theory with screens. put 2-3 layers of window screen over your tank and see if your colors improve.

Another place to look would be your tanks nutrient profile, if you are 0'd out on no3 and PO4 you may be starving out the Zooxanthellae in the coral.

I would recommend only changing one thing at a time though (Nutrient, light or flow). I have found many of my LPS do best at the bottom of the tank, on the sand or low rocks