Another frags propagation tank question please critique

[Anonymous]

Another frags propagation tank question please critique my plan
I am planning stages of a propagation setup
All the trays will be on a rack/shelf stacked on top of each other
I setup for gsp, zoos, xenia, and leathers - 2 trays
I setup for sps & lps - 3 trays
Each pan will be 12” x 48” x 8” or 10”-do you think 8” is deep enough
They will drain into different sumps
2 – 3 “of sand below the egg crate
For water movement in the sps, lps. MJ 1200 2 opposite corners
Lighting witch one?
What K bulbs for the best growth
48" 260W (2x130W) Dual Strip Compact Fluorescent Light Fixture
48" 130W Uni Strip Compact Fluorescent Light Fixture
Icecap over driving n/o bulbs
Icecap with vho bulbs
Icecap with t-5 & reflectors

Thanks
Ken

 

[Len]

Hi Ken,

If you plan on having sand in the trays, I think 8" is too short. Personally, I wouldn't bother with substrate in the trays, but rather put it in a refugium.

I'd either go with Icecap with T-5s or a dual strip CF using half 10K. I'd use half true actinic lighting. This will give you good growth and coloration IMO.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks
I just pick up 2 used icecap 660’s and VHO end caps
So I need to find out if they can run the T-5’s
What Parr should I shoot for optimal grow out for
SPS
LPS
Leathers
Zoos
Thanks
Ken

 

[Len]

Icecap 660 can run T5s. You'll need T5 end caps or sockets though. VHO is actually fine too, but just not quite as efficient and has shorter bulb life.

Zos, Leathers, and LPS all don't need much light. Two bulbs over their tanks will be more then plenty. I'd concentrate more light (4 bulbs) over the SPS tanks. I don't know any tests done to evaluate PAR for fluorsecent bulbs, so I can't give you an optimal PAR value.

 

[smit1260]

I would use MJ -900s for the flow. This is because they run on only 8.5 watts compared to 20 for the MJ-1200. This will save you $8 per year per pump.