SPS Lighting Question

[BrandonMc2011]

Hi all!
I recently created a thread to address some of my sps issues concerning coloration. I have been working on a few changes that may help improve the color of my sps but I wanted to create a thread to focus entirely on my lighting situation and possible options. I currently have a standard 150 gallon tank (72x18x27) and I run two regular hydras and two hydra 52's above the tank. The lights are oriented with the two hydras perpendicular to the tank on either end and the two hydra 52's parallel to the tank in the middle. They are basically hung like this l - - l across the tank at about 10 inches. I recently changed my percentages to 37CW 37R 37G 100V 100DB 100RB and 100UV. My coloration is not entirely poor but it is indeed intriguing. I have some acros with decent colors, some that are mostly brown, and some in between that are colored on the tips and brown closer to the base. Another issue that I have had is shading underneath each piece and closer to the base of the branches. This is mostly shading from the coral itself. I have tried rearranging my lights before but I cannot get rid of the shading. I am looking for possible options or solutions to this problem so that I may have better luck with my sps. I am currently considering the possibility of putting in two 2-bulb retro-fit t5's, one in front and one behind the hydra 52's. A second possibility is completely switching to a t5 unit; I like the look of the 6-bulb ATI Sunpower. Anyways if anyone has any thoughts or opinions on my situation I would love to hear them.

 

[xdestry]

You can't go wrong with a ati sunpower. for a 72 long you can suffice with a 60 inch unit. you should get the 8 bulb though. i just switched from radions to ati sunpower dimmable 2 days ago and am loving it

 

[markalot]

I have the same tank and similar coloring issues, but I run a 6 bulb 60" Sunpower over top. Maybe I can blame the tank for my troubles? I supplement with LED strip lights in front of and behind the unit, which helps me raise part to 400+ half way down and 200 - 250 on the sandbed.

IMO for LED you want front to back coverage to make viewing / coloration better from the front.

| | ! | |

! = center brace if yours is the same as mine.

It would be helpful if you had a PAR meter to see how much light is getting into the tank, especially since it's so deep. I know with my 6 bulb Sunpower, all by itself, I get 310 PAR about half way down the tank, midway between the right edge and the center brace. The 8 bulb would be better if you go all T5.

All this said, I would make sure water quality is not the issue before spending money on lights. I switched to T5 from LED thinking it would solve all the worlds problems, and now I'm dealing with a constant elevated PO4 problem that was probably the issue all along.

 

[BrandonMc2011]

xdestry I was considering the 8 bulb but it would barely squeeze inside my canopy. Im afraid there could be a heat issue given the minimal circulation. markalot that is exactly where my center brace is. I think the full coverage is part of what I'm lacking. As for water quality I have had other people on the forum tell me that my tank might even be too clean. My nitrate and phosphate have been undetectable for some time. I am currently feeding my tank more to try to color up some paler acros but I feel like even if I do that I will still have a less than satisfactory view from the front of my tank.