sps lighting ?

[jaze36]

When my tank set up gets far enough to put some corals in it, I want it to be an sps tank. This will be my first experience with sps and I would like to make sure it goes well. Right now in the stand I have 2 -250w 15K Mh. Is this going to be to much light for the tank(38 gal 36x12x18), or will I be wasting electricty without getting any better growth? Would it be better to go with one MH and a 96w pc? What are your thoughts.

 

[TA]

I have 2x 250W over a 65 (36x18x24) + 2x 95W VHO actinics.
Don't think its "too much" for sps.

If your asking if that much wattage is necessary...well, I like two MH bulbs as opposed to one (especially if you have a center brace), but you probably could get away with 2x 150W just the same.
What ballasts and what bulbs you running?

 

[michaelg]

I don't have a center brace over my tank (58- same size as ta's but a little shorter) and have a single lamp. Light coverage is pretty good out to the sides- growing corals on the bottom of the corners- though the sps do better more towards the center. given your tank is only 12 inches front to back, I would put the bulb parallel to the water. Try one, and see how the coverage is...if it doesn't look like enough you could always put a second up as it sounds like you already have it.

 

[jaze36]

The set up is a aqua universe. M58 advanced ballast, and the bulbs are 15k reef grow bulb.

One of the thing I won't have with the way I have it set up right now is the dawn/dusk effect. Would adding a 96w pc with the two 250 work as well? Is it possible to have to much light?

I plan on having the center more open and doing a two island type thing, so maybe the one bulb thing won't work as well.

 

[Krazy]

wow steve!

I've got 2x250 over a 90gallon, haha !!

also 2x96 antics..

I'd say your gonna have plenty of light and whatever is in there will grow like weeds !!! I'd add an antic for the dusk/dawn effect...

 

[michaelg]

for the dusk dawn- just have the pc on with a slight overlap in time with the halides.
I don't know that there can be too much light- but the corals need to adapt to it. If one is coming from a moderate light environment and gets blasted- it won't be happy. An sps might die in short order.

 

[jaze36]

I guess I need to remember that corals come from natural sunlight ansd that is way more light than I can provide. So the secret sucess in the beginning will be proper light acclimation.

Would this much light have a negative impact on lps(favia sp. and candycane), and purple frilly gorgonian if I take my time while acclimating them to the light?

 

[monti-mike]

my 180 has 2-250-6500Kand 3 160watt VHO atinic and still woould like alot more light but the $$ is always the issue......i like the 6500K for the groth but they do seem to be very yello buthtats what i always used and stuck with it just my idea or thought....

peace

mike