watts per gallon

[messy1messmer]

For a Acro tank with some LPS and clams what should i have for proper watts per gallon. I have a 75 right know, with 2x175 mh and 2x65 PC. It equals about 6.4
thanks

 

[Andrew]

Don't pay attention to the watter per gallon. 150 watt of mh is way differen't then 150 watts of pc.

 

[j0tca]

More than watts per gallon comes closeness to the bulbs. It doesn't matter if you have a 1000 Gallon system or a 50 Gallon system. If your clam is 10" under the surface directly under your bulb.

Watts per gallon is a guide to a well distributed tank, and frankly is a measure that I am very against. 175's wont give you the depth of light that 250W will, but it should be more than fine.

By the way, clams aren't as light dependant as rumored, i've seen them kept under NO lights happily.

 

[messy1messmer]

thanks guys. Do you guys think daul 400 would be over kill on my tank or would 250 be more than enough.

 

[Blown 346]

The 2 250 halides will be more than enough for a 75. The 400 would be too much unless you have certain high light demanding corals you want to keep.

 

[j0tca]

I agree with blown, 2X250 would be fine

 

[jeffbrig]

How deep is your tank, or, how far down are you placing the corals? I'm not sure it's necessary to go from 175w to 250w. If you think you're a little short of lighting intensity, you could just replace the supplemental PCs with T5s (much better light penetration).