LPS Tank Lighting

[bruffin]

How does this sound?

Two - 150w MHs (14k)
&
Two - 39w T5HOs (actinic)

for an LPS dominated tank that's 30" tall, 36" long, and 18" in width?

I'm thinking that two 250w MHs would be too much light/heat. I've heard of others with similiar setups complain about bleaching corals . . .

Any Suggestions??

 

[Tomoko Schum]

Well, since no one answered your question, I am going to try to answer.

I have two 250W MH DE bulbs on my 120G. The tank is only 24 inches tall so your tank is definitely taller. I have a number of LPS and softies and they are all doing well. I don't think 250W is too much light because of the extra depth.

I don't have any heat issues, either, thanks to my fans (one over sump and another one next to my display tank.) I am noticing it gets almost cool at night with two fans running.

Tomoko

 

[8BALL_99]

With a 30" tall tank I'd go with 250s.. I've got 3x150 mh over my 125 and its ok but not bright by any means.. Its only about 22" tall. The deeper the tank the higher the wattage bulbs you need.. If you wanted to keep clams and Sps corals in a 30" tall tank 400 watt mh wouldn't be a bad idea. I for sure dont think 250s would be to much light.. Now for the heat.. Thats a lil hard to say.. I had 2x250 watt mh over a 72gallon for almost 2 years with no heat problems.. The tempture of the room , your pumps, ect all effect temp. Like Tomoko said a small fan over your sump would probably be all you would need to keep the tank kewl..HTH