question about lighting... how much light do they need to be healthy? i am considering adding some to my system... pay no attention to the light listed in my signature, i jus want to know a general consensus on what they need... and i understand they dont like much flow as a general rule of thumb, is this correct... chalices and acans in particular... thanks guys, i want to try some things in my "fuge" or main sps display, but that is very high flow and lighting...
Please help LPS newb...
- Thread starter Pallobi
- Start date
seapug
Premium Member
It really depends on the depth of the tank. I've grown LPS under 40W of 50/50 LED in a 12" deep refugium, but use 250W MH in my display and know others who keep them under 400W MH. They will do quite well under the light listed in your sig, but if you want to buy a new light, 150W-250W MH should suffice for most LPS.
i was thinking my 25" deep "fuge" but i would need a new light for sure as the 30" dual coralife t5 i have on it wont cut it lol... but anyhow, im looking to trade a couple sps frags for some rainbow acans, melting pot chalice and some other unknown but nicely colored chalice... and see how they do in my very low nutrient system... i am sure i have to feed them, but wasnt sure if they are as light dependant as my sps are... i would like to start an LPS frag rack sort of speak, but im afraid the flow will harm them... i use reef tidal crest mode with 2 mp40s at each end of the tank, at full power... not always at full power becuz the setting, but they are tuned up all the way... sometimes i will put them on constant operation for the afternoon here and there so the tank gets a real nice blasting... my sps are my babies, the lps is looking to see how i like them, and if i do, ill open my collection up a bit... so i guess thats what im looking at... any further advice would be great... i do realize taht i will probably have to feed them due to my ulns...
seapug
Premium Member
The pristine water quality won't hurt them but the flow will. You'll definitely want to have them some sort of a relatively protected area in an SPS tank. As for the light, they really can be pretty adaptable if acclimated correctly. If you're looking to try something new over a 25" deep fuge, I'd look into LEDs. A large, single daylight spectrum "photon cannon" style LED pendant with some blue strips could look really nice if you plan it right. You'll pay a little more up front but will save in power consumption and bulb replacement costs long term.
