4x55W PC's

[Sublime-1]

Hi guys,

I am new here but learning a great deal everyday.

I recently converted my freshwater tank to a reef and need a bit of advice.

I have a 55g with a 7g. CPR sump system/skimmer.(CY192)
I have approximately 70 pounds or so of Cured Live Fiji and Tonga bought from my LFS' well established 180 reef.

I bought a 4x55w PC hood and put it over my tank. It has 2x55w 12k actinic and 2x8800k daylight lamps for a total of 220 watts. My 55 is a standard 20" deep (about 16-17 after the sandbed.) The lights are approx 5" off the water.

Is this enough light for pretty much any corals ?


Thanks,

Brad

 

[sally1]

This would be enough light for soft corals and LPS. Not all corals though such as SPS.

 

[danmhippo]

20" depth + 5" off surface, your PC light loses significant intensity by the time it reaches that far down. I agree, the light is probably fine for most softies and some LPS. However most SPS and clams you cannot keep, or you will have to move them to the top.

 

[tinyreef]

ditto for the posts above. the only thing i would add is that you may want to change the 8800K to 10000K. i've found the 8800K's tend to promote algae blooms easier. keep an eye on them for that and have the bulbs ready to switch if i were you.

you'd need an extra set of bulbs (and heater) anyway in case of emergencies otherwise your tank would be underlit until you got replacements. good luck and welcome to the money pit hobby! :wink:

 

[Sublime-1]

What are some of the SPS corals that are very popular that I would not be able to adequately care for ?


Also,

I have a 175W Ushio MH lamp, ballast and reflector that I used as an "herbal" grow lamp. The lamp is a 12000K-MH-175W. It is the shorty type of tube bulb.

Would this be a worth suplement in the event I wanted to get a Clam or some "SPS" corals ?


Thanks so much for all the support. Pics to come soon, as soon as this damn brown algae bloom is over,.

---Brad

 

[reefsRcool]

roflmfao :roll: but then what will happen to your um...agricultural projects. damn i hate when i have to choose between two loves. oh my lol