Lighting Question

[Prachmuth]

I have been slowly transforming my 92 Gal. corner tank into a full reef tank. The corals are surviving, but not really thriving. I've installed an RO system, do frequent H2O changes and keep the salt at about 1.024. My guess is that its time to upgrade the lighting. I am currently using a 36" 2x96w light.

Should I change the light. And if so, to what?

I was considering (a) 1 - 400w mh pendant; (2) 2 - 250w mh pendants, or (c) some sort of mh/cf dual unit.

Any suggestions would be appreciated (especially if the suggestion isn't to spend a ton of money).

Thanks,

PAR

(Originally posted in Beginner Reef section)

 

[meschaefer]

Tough question.

I am not sure of the the dimensions of the tank, nor how your rock structure looks. We also need to know what kind of livestock you want to keep.

Generally speaking, a good 250w MH lamp with a good reflector is suffcient for two foot by two foot area of tank that is no more than 24inches deep. You would be able to keep most high light demanding species.

Notice I say a good lamp, with a good reflector as quality is everything, if you made a poor choice in lamp and reflector it may not be suffcient. Furthermore, if you where looking to keep all softies this might be overkill.

 

[frank arriaga]

I agree if the tank is 4 foot long two 250 watt MH is what i would go for good luck.

 

[Prachmuth]

Yes, the tank is 48" corner to corner on the bow-front edge, 34" on each side and 24" deep.

I intend to keep mostly soft corals, sea anemones, mushrooms and fish.

So what I'm hearing is that 2x250w mh fixtures/pendants will be better than 1 400w mh or a combo unit. Correct?

 

[prattreef]

2x 250 MH either in pendants or in a fixture with T-5 supplemental lighting is what I would go for. You could probably get away with 2x 150 if you used high quality reflectors like Matt suggests. If you decide to go without supplemental lighting, you will limit your lamp choice as you will be dependent upon the MH lamp alone to provide proper intensity and spectrum as well as an aesthetically pleasing appearance. This is absolutely possible, and in fact what I do myself, but you need to pick the right lamps.