lighting question

[SAreefer]

Hi I have one of those imported show tanks which can only house 3, 40w t5 bulbs. can i put acropora corals and the likes in my tank? If so how long do I need to run the lights for a day?

Any help please.

 

[Anonymous]

What size tank? Dimensions?

 

[SAreefer]

1.2m x 0.5m x 0.5m. Its about 270L/73Gallons

 

[Anonymous]

I owuld think you would need more light

 

[Anonymous]

With 3 40watt bulbs you are not going to be able to do much. If you want to keep SPS and have the flexability to place them anywhere in the tank I suggest 2x250 watt metal halaide.

 

[SAreefer]

so I should not even try?
or should I just stick to soft corals?

 

[Anonymous]

You should stick to soft corals with that lighting. Acropora and SPS need strong intense lighting to survive.

 

[Anonymous]

IMO you should stick to soft corals.

 

[SAreefer]

MAN, i really hate bad news.

 

[Anonymous]

It's not that bad. Soft corals require less light, flow and additives. Just think of all the money we just saved you.

 

[Anonymous]

It's not that bad. Soft corals require less light, flow and additives. Just think of all the money we just saved you.

:lol: There is always an upside to everything.

 

[ChrisRD]

If you don't have room for halides (or don't want them) another option would be to mod your setup to accommodate high-output T-5s with individual reflectors. If you can get 4 or more full length HO T-5s lamps over that tank with good reflectors you should be able to keep light demanding animals without much trouble...

 

[Anonymous]

I don't mean to hijack anyone's thread, but I have a question.

I have (4) 48" 110W VHO's w/ no reflector. Can anyone suggest what I can keep with this setup?

I will eventually put reflectors just haven't taken the time to do it yet.

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Just about anything. Things like SPS will need to go near the top.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Mark! I was concerned about that. I want to put some Acros but was affraid that I would have to have hallides.

 

[ChrisRD]

If you have no external reflectors you can get lamps that have the internal reflector. URI (now called UV Lighting) makes good ones...

 

[Anonymous]

If you have no external reflectors you can get lamps that have the internal reflector. URI (now called UV Lighting) makes good ones...

VHO bulbs with internal reflectors?

 

[bleedingthought]

Yep, 180 degrees of it has an internal reflector. Of course that won't reflect light that has left the bulb but it is much better than nothing. I have 4 URI internal reflector bulbs and I also use a galvanized air conditioning duct as an external reflector. :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

I never thought of that. Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

The URI bulbs come with the internal reflector. Check the vintage tank thread. My 110 was 30" tall and was lit by 4x110watt VHO. The acros on top grew quite well.