And Then There Was Light!

[demosthenes]

Okay, I have a 20H, and it has a 4-5" DSB, 40 lbs of LR, a wet/dry up to 180, and a SeaClone 100. The return pump runs at 600gph after head pressure, so the tank is turned over roughly 30 times an hour. I'm not sure if it's overkill, but it's been going great so far. I currently have a temporary resident, a Yellow Tang, but I'm just QT'ing it for awhile. I plan to house a Long-Finned Sleeper Goby, a Magnificent Firefish, and 2 Ocellaris Clowns. The clowns will host a Ritteri or Bubble Tip Anemone. I want to keep SPS and one or two Maxima Clams, and thus, the lighting becomes an issue. I currently have a single 15W bulb, but that's only until my MH pendant comes in, however the coralline has grown like crazy. I'm getting a 400W MH Pendant that will hang about 10" above the water, and the hood will be removed, so an open tank. I am unsure as to whether this is too intense for the lighting. I am also unsure as to whether to get 20K or 10K for the bulb. Does anything sound like overkill? Forsee any problems with livestock or filtration? Thanks for your help.

 

[fishfood]

I just want to point out that firefish tend to be jumpers so having an open tank might invite him to carpet surf.

 

[anthony812]

Hi Heat may be your only issue but 400 watts is not over kill in my opinion. Think about the wild where sps are living. We will never i mean i can say this with confidence never have the amount of light that comes close the the sun. NEVER! wow but 400 watts will grow good stuff. Bet you your acros will grow like crazy :0