bubbletip2
Premium Member
I think it is important for me to reiterate that keeping coral under 400w bulbs and LumenBrights is much different than what reefkeepers have seen in the past. These reflectors obviously emit a lot of PAR as evidenced in this thread by the numerous reefkeepers that have contributed data.
You have to be careful when using 400w bulbs. No joke. I really don't want to recommend 400w bulbs to anyone because I don't want to be responsible for people bleaching their coral. You must be experienced enough to understand and be able to diagnose problems with your coral. Also, just because you have 400w bulbs over your tank and your corals bleach does not mean the 400w bulb is directly responsible. Without proper flow, stable water perameters, nutrition for your coral(I mean food - real food that they will accept), it is going to be very difficult to save your coral especially with the added stress of excessive illumination in 400w bulbs. Everyone thinks more is better and this is not always the case. You need to get your basic reefkeeping skills down and keep a stable system before trying your luck at some intense lighting.
Ok, I said my peace. Now, here again is a shot of a tank by an experienced reefkeeper that is clearly thriving. This is a mixed reef with softies, LPS , and SPS running 5 -400w 12K Reeflux bulbs("like swimmign on a reef on a sunny day"). Notice the several SPS pieces very close to the surface of the water. I have witnessed the most amazing growth and color in this particular section of the tank directly under this 400w bulb. Clearly these coral are not ready to die. This is a 30" deep tank.
Careful placement of coral is key to making sure your coral thrive. If you are unable to diagnose whether your coral is getting excessive light/flow or not enough light/flow, it will be extrememly difficult to obtain optimal growth and color. I still have a lot to learn in this area as well, but have experienced people around me to help me diagnose potential problems.
Pretty soon here I will be heading back over to see this beautiful tank. It has been several months and from what I hear the growth is out of control. We are talking about a few months here. :eek2: A perfect example of accelerated growth and color due to optimal conditions.
Now as far as anyone considering 400w bulbs under LB's. Well, I would first recommend dimmable ballasts as this will best help you acclimate your coral by easily being able to turn down your bulbs at the first signs of stress. Second, I would make sure you have enough room for these reflectors to be able to raise them from 16" to 18" bulb to water to accomodate for coral growth. If you are running 20K's you my be able to get away with 14"-16". The more room the better. I still don't want to recommend 400watters to anyone, but if you are going to do it anyway, just be careful
Again most reefkeepers will do just fine with 250w bulbs. This is another plus for LumenBrights as reefkeepers that used to be caught between deciding whether they should go with 250w bulbs or 400w bulbs can rest assure that 250w bulbs will put out ample PAR for expected growth as the PAR numbers speak for themselves.
You have to be careful when using 400w bulbs. No joke. I really don't want to recommend 400w bulbs to anyone because I don't want to be responsible for people bleaching their coral. You must be experienced enough to understand and be able to diagnose problems with your coral. Also, just because you have 400w bulbs over your tank and your corals bleach does not mean the 400w bulb is directly responsible. Without proper flow, stable water perameters, nutrition for your coral(I mean food - real food that they will accept), it is going to be very difficult to save your coral especially with the added stress of excessive illumination in 400w bulbs. Everyone thinks more is better and this is not always the case. You need to get your basic reefkeeping skills down and keep a stable system before trying your luck at some intense lighting.
Ok, I said my peace. Now, here again is a shot of a tank by an experienced reefkeeper that is clearly thriving. This is a mixed reef with softies, LPS , and SPS running 5 -400w 12K Reeflux bulbs("like swimmign on a reef on a sunny day"). Notice the several SPS pieces very close to the surface of the water. I have witnessed the most amazing growth and color in this particular section of the tank directly under this 400w bulb. Clearly these coral are not ready to die. This is a 30" deep tank.
Careful placement of coral is key to making sure your coral thrive. If you are unable to diagnose whether your coral is getting excessive light/flow or not enough light/flow, it will be extrememly difficult to obtain optimal growth and color. I still have a lot to learn in this area as well, but have experienced people around me to help me diagnose potential problems.
Pretty soon here I will be heading back over to see this beautiful tank. It has been several months and from what I hear the growth is out of control. We are talking about a few months here. :eek2: A perfect example of accelerated growth and color due to optimal conditions.
Now as far as anyone considering 400w bulbs under LB's. Well, I would first recommend dimmable ballasts as this will best help you acclimate your coral by easily being able to turn down your bulbs at the first signs of stress. Second, I would make sure you have enough room for these reflectors to be able to raise them from 16" to 18" bulb to water to accomodate for coral growth. If you are running 20K's you my be able to get away with 14"-16". The more room the better. I still don't want to recommend 400watters to anyone, but if you are going to do it anyway, just be careful
Again most reefkeepers will do just fine with 250w bulbs. This is another plus for LumenBrights as reefkeepers that used to be caught between deciding whether they should go with 250w bulbs or 400w bulbs can rest assure that 250w bulbs will put out ample PAR for expected growth as the PAR numbers speak for themselves.
