Lighting for SPS corals.

[xtyx]

I was thinking about getting some of the Blue Torts they have on this sight. They mention lighting to be about 3 Watts per gallon. Is that the min? I currently have 1 250 Mh on a 65 gallon tank but am planning on upgrading in the next few weeks to 2 150 Mh and some 65 T5s combo. Which would put me around 6 watts per gallon. can you get too much light for SPS corals? Thanks

 

[nietzsche]

with mh you should be able to keep it, as long as your tank isnt too tall

 

[xtyx]

Should I order the 2 250 watt combo's instead of the 2 150's. My tank is 24" tall.

 

[nietzsche]

on my 75g i was going to go with either two 175 SE or two 250w MH DE. my 28g has a 250w over it and SPS like it. im going to try out t5ho, ill see how that goes in the future
i would go with the two 250w though

 

[nycbob]

go with the 2x150w mh. anything else would be an overkill. blue tort is not even the most light demanding sps out there. u will be fine under ur current light if kept middle of the tank.

 

[nietzsche]

i dont think it would be overkill. i mean come on, i have a 250w mh icecap electronic ballast with 2x65w pc actinics on a little 28. not saying 2 150s wouldnt be enough, but its not overkill.

 

[nycbob]

250 x 2 mh? he might hv a heating problem on top of it all. remember, is only a 65 gallon tank w t5supplemental lighting.

 

[sea n life]

i would go with the 2-150w mh all corals dont like alll that light and you still have enough light to get mostly anything you want so its a win win

 

[nietzsche]

did you ask this question on --? someone asked the same question about their 65 and everyone suggested the 250w

 

[xtyx]

I am just running my tank with an open top no canopy. Probably will just go with the 2 150 combo. Cheaper and will do the job with less heat. Thanks for the replies.

 

[wangotango]

IMO if the tank is 24" deep go with the 250s. They'll give you more flexibility.
-Justin

 

[teen]

2x 250w MH.
FYI, my cali blue tort is up high in my tank under 250w and lovin it. there a coral that needs a decent amount of light IME to keep some nice color.

 

[jrthomas40]

i have 2 x 250w DE hqi with no heating problems all of my coral love them...go with the 250s you will be happier....oh by the way they are on a 90

 

[xtyx]

Ok you talked me into it. Ordering in a week or so.

Going with the 250's guess anything can live under those.

 

[meemmoo]

I have 2 250's on my 56g it's in wall so I do have some heat issues, but my tort is really happy.