your LPS tank lights

[pat_man_ta]

I have similar concerns with my 29.

I currently have an aqualight dual PC fixture (blue/10K/moon 130w) and have been considering augmenting a section of the tank with one of those little MH 70w Viper HQI Clamp Lamps for a clam and some SPS specimens.

Any opinion on this route?

( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=15489&N=2004+113352 )

 

[GSMguy]

i would just ditch the aqualight and get one aquamedic 250w oceanlight with a 20k bulb
much more coral options
70w halides only grow low light sps
oh and a viper light is almost as much as a 250w

 

[GSMguy]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12112&N=2004+113352

 

[pat_man_ta]

Would that be too much light on my LPS though?

 

[dustin323]

James_z have you seen these fixtures?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12772&N=2004+113175

Not bad prices, has me thinking of upgrading, but within this year I plan on upgrading my tank. So no use in buying it then having to buy another one.

 

[Justin74]

Pat at the very least consider a DE150w or a SE 175 for your clam. I have a SE175 (unsupplemented) over my LPS and it is not too much at all. And would only feel comfortable if my clam was at least mid level.

-Justin

 

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9105155#post9105155 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pat_man_ta
Would that be too much light on my LPS though?

no 20k would not be too much light you will have to acclimate but everyone should do that

 

[GSMguy]

why spend more money for less light

 

[pat_man_ta]

so, the concencus seems to be leaning toward MH and/or T5 lighting, correct? Should I then plan to abandon my PC fixture on my 29 and obtain perhaps one of those MH/T5 combo fixtures?

(sorry, don't mean to hijack the thread!)

 

[dustin323]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9105757#post9105757 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pat_man_ta
so, the concencus seems to be leaning toward MH and/or T5 lighting, correct? Should I then plan to abandon my PC fixture on my 29 and obtain perhaps one of those MH/T5 combo fixtures?

(sorry, don't mean to hijack the thread!)

For sure if you want to. Some say T5s are more versatile than metal halides, but halides are the closet thing to real sunlight from what I udnerstand.

 

[water hazzard]

Aquarium supply is also another good one

 

[Slakker]

I'm planning a 90g (in the far-ish future)

Would the 216 be okay over a 90, or would I have (want) to go straight for the 432?

 

[Justin74]

Slakker, I think that would be fine. BUT, being on the lower side, I highly recommend you use Icecap reflectors to compensate for the lower ouput of you light and the depth of your 90g. If you could overdrive it with an Ice Cap ballast, even better as it will turn that 216w into 320w!

-Justin

 

[davidcmarkham]

I am interested in this also as I am preparing to purchase real lights for my tank (65G 36x18x24 deep). I plan on mostly soft but some LPS interest me as well, and a clam if I can pull it off. My LFS agrees with you on MH but her second choice is VHO (Icecap 3x36 retro kit specifically â€"œ heavy on actinic bulbs). After that she says T5 or PC. Lots of discussion on T5 and PC, I was wondering what your VHO experience/knowledge was? MH just won’t be practical for me for a couple reasons, so I am planning potential livestock around that limitation.
Thanks, Dave
(PS historically, I have trouble staying logged in for more than a few seconds at a time so I may not reply, but do read all comments. â€"œTHANKS)