watts per gallon and supplementation
- Thread starter luckyfish
- Start date
gflat65
New member
I don't usually go by the wpg rule. I usually base my thoughts on the intended corals to be kept and the depth of the tank. If you're wanting to keep clams and sps in a 24 inch tank, I'd say run 250W and VHO's and it won't be overkill (my DE's are a little overkill even for some of my sps). On a 31" tank, I'd recommend 400's.
The reason the WPG doesn't really work is that 150W of No flourescent is not the same as 150W of MH lighting. I always counted the VHO wattages on a 1:1 when I used the WPG. I don;t know the par values of VHO's, but it seems like I heard 9some eight years ago or so) that PC's and VHO's are very similar in par, with PC's being a few points higher. Goig strictly off par is not at all foolproof, either, but it gets you a little closer. What are you trying to figure out, Tim?
The reason the WPG doesn't really work is that 150W of No flourescent is not the same as 150W of MH lighting. I always counted the VHO wattages on a 1:1 when I used the WPG. I don;t know the par values of VHO's, but it seems like I heard 9some eight years ago or so) that PC's and VHO's are very similar in par, with PC's being a few points higher. Goig strictly off par is not at all foolproof, either, but it gets you a little closer. What are you trying to figure out, Tim?
Mobikob
New member
I usually count the Actinic light as watts in the WPG rule. Although it is not accurate for intensity, it is a good rule to follow for minimum requirements when it comes to lighting.
If there is a specific species you want to house, you must have the intensity it requires, regardless of WPG. At least thats how I see it, better too much than not enough. So that way you don't even have to count the Actinic light to reach the WPG rule.
Mobi
If there is a specific species you want to house, you must have the intensity it requires, regardless of WPG. At least thats how I see it, better too much than not enough. So that way you don't even have to count the Actinic light to reach the WPG rule.
Mobi
Thanks for the replys. Ya'll are giving me better answeres than the question posed. I'm really just exploring option right now. My situation is; moved into new house, wife wants me to keep only 2 tanks (I think this is ridiculous). She actually suggests 2 salt water tanks (I must confess to the group that I love the planted freshwater and would want one of two to be that). She is all for the main tank being large, 180 gal or bigger. One of the issues is what she would like to see in the tank: large fish (for the kids to see), mushrooms and clams. So you see, her interests lie at opposite ends of the lighting needs. I'm also exploring T5 as an option. What do folks use as a guide with them?
Thanks to all who take an interest,
Tim
Thanks to all who take an interest,
Tim
Similar threads
