lighting

[aloredo]

:happyfish i just purchased a set of Current powercompact lights for my tank they are dual daylight 6700k/10000k and dual actinic 460nm/420nm. my question is would this work for a reef tank for coral and anoem 72 gal bowfront

 

[dacia]

How many watts are each bulb, and how many bulbs are there total in the fixture?

 

[sergeant]

Figure out how many watts per gallon do you have. If you have more than 4 watts then is good. I would let the tank mature before adding any anemone.

 

[aloredo]

there is 4x65 and tank is about 5 months old

 

[lion_crazz]

You are looking at about 3.6 watts per gallon of water. That will serve its purpose for hardy anemones, but you will only be able to do certain corals.

 

[aloredo]

what if i change lights to 96w would that help i think i could change the watage

 

[lion_crazz]

And run how many 96 watt bulbs?

 

[aloredo]

i would be running 4x96

 

[lion_crazz]

That would make a nice difference, yes, as you would then have 5.3 watts per gallon.

 

[aloredo]

:notsure: now one more question dont mean to be a pest just want to get this right could i change out to the higher 96w bulbs i dont see y not but thought u might know:happyfish

 

[lion_crazz]

Yes, as long as they fit in your light fixture. If they are the correct length, that will be no problem.
You are not being a pest. Ask any questions you have, that is why we are all here!

 

[kpk]

Watts per gallon means nothing to an anemone. It's the intensity and type of light. Get 2x150,175 or 250w halides, probably as cheap as those pcs. Depending on the anemone you may still be able to keep it ok.
Kyle

 

[aloredo]

:happy: thanks alot lion_cra for ur help i feel o whole lot better thought i was goin to have to take the lights back......

 

[lion_crazz]

It is not proven that anemones need metal halide intensity to survive. I know personally a tank that has 4 anemones, 2 bubble tips, rose, and sebae, survive for 2 years now under 4 watts of PC.
Does this mean they will not do better under halides? No. I believe and know halides are much better for them. However, survival under PCs is also very possible. I was telling him to get more watts specifically for the corals. I know he cannot keep acros and sps under PC, but there is a lot you can keep as well.

 

[kpk]

Sorry I'm on this trip about halides...
Yeah you can keep a "certain" few healthy and growing under pcs. Like a bubbletip, longtentacle, and a few others, but carpets etc wouldn't make it. Sorry about that. 4x65w would be enough...
Shoot to tell you the truth I have done it, and am doing it now. Actually my rbta did better under the pcs...
Kyle