Too much lighting !?

[zurk666]

Hello,

When I mounted the aquarium (reef), I opted for 2 HQI lamps of 250watts; however, and observing the weak growth of most of the corals (Actinodiscus; Zoanthus; Fungia; parazoant and Sarcophyton) I question myself if I had not exaggerated in the lighting.
The theory, in terms of lighting, points to something of the type: current and lighting, are never too much .
Is it really like that !? Seem that the corals are happening better in zones of semi-shade than, toasting under the HQI (exception for the Acropora).
Oh ... the aquarium has (from the sand, to the line of water) 45cm height.
I take the risk of being spend unnecessary electricity; heating the water in the unnecessary form and not bringing any surplus value.
Does anybody use lamps of 250watts?
I'm using Tunze lamps, have anyone tried this brand ?
All the help is welcomed.
Regards


Zurk

 

[kevensquint]

Your tank is 18" deep, how high off the water are the lights? I use 250 watt SE bulbs and I can tell you from experience that yes,you can have too much light. It also depends alot on the species of coral you are trying to keep, IME, I have seen low light corals such as zoo's and shrooms may not look to happy in a tank with a light system designed with clams and some types of SPS in mind. I will be using my same light set up from my old 65 in my new 125. 3 MH bulbs over a 4' tank was a bit much, but will do just fine over a 6'.

 

[zurk666]

Too much lighting !?

Hello,

The lamps are 30cm (12'') from the water.
Yes, I want to have (in the future): Clams and sps / lps coral; in the meanwhil, I have: Actinodiscus; Zoanthus; Fungia; parazoant and Sarcophyton.
Thanks


Zurk

 

[IndyReefMan]

You can always try reducing the photoperiod. How many hours per day do you run your MH lights? Also, HQI bulbs can often create UV issues. What type of fixtures do you have and how are they shielded?

 

[zurk666]

Too much lighting !?

Hail back !

Hum ... 10 hours a day.
They're shielded in a Tunze lighting system.
If I changed one of the lamps for a 150Watt and leave the other as a 250Watt (they're side by side), and keep the corals divided (in sides), would that work ?


Z