Too much light?

[jaybfresh]

I'm in the process of looking for a tank to replace my current one because of excessive scratches. Right now my tank is 72x18x18 lit by 2 250w halides. They provide coverage to about 90% of the tank, with small shadows on both ends. If I get a custom tank, I'll have the option to stay with one single brace on top or go to 2, and use 3 halides. I will probably go with 72x18x16 on the new tank

Will 3 250w halides lead to bleaching in what is essentially a 90g tank? Will it work if I raise the halides up a good 8-10"?

 

[Capt_Cully]

I'd think stuff should be fine, BUT you'll have to acclimate your current corals, and new additions by starting the lights high and the corals low. You can also limit photoperiod, among other "tricks".

 

[450reef]

im with cully but on a side note if your gonna go custom why only go 18 deep?

 

[jaybfresh]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15664809#post15664809 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 450reef
im with cully but on a side note if your gonna go custom why only go 18 deep?

Want to keep the same stand and canopy... space is also a potential issue.

 

[Henry Colf]

+1 with what cully said......

 

[Henry Colf]

oops +2........

 

[tmz]

+3. To some extent it also depends on the K value of the halides .

 

[magdelan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15664898#post15664898 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jaybfresh
Want to keep the same stand and canopy... space is also a potential issue.

You could have a 36" tall tank and you could still use the same stand and canopy.

just sayin

 

[jaybfresh]

I thought 450 meant front to back. I only want 16 tall because I love shallow tanks. That's why I need to go custom rather than use a 125/135

 

[museumguy]

I have seen some of the most beautiful colored corals come out of relatively shallow tanks that were getting just hammered by halides. Remember that even some of the brightest halides on the market cant really compare to the energy output of the sun, so if slowly adjusted to the new lighting I would expect many corals to be able to adjust, though some shade dwelling corals may not like it as much. If you do go this route be sure to get some Idaho Grape montipora, you will be amazed at how purple it will become.

 

[jaybfresh]

I dont want to harp on custom tank builders, but does $1700 for a base tank seem way excessive to anyone else (not including starphire, overflows or shipping)

Miracles quoted $515 WITH starphire front. Seems like I will be taking a vacation in Toronto... if you stay for 48 hours you can bring back up to $800 of goods without paying customs!