Lighting

power

power

Member
I am currently considering a lighting change. I would like to be able to grow hard & soft corals. I currently have a 75g tank and its's 4 feet long. I am considering a PC 96 with 2 bulbs. The white is 6700 & the blue is 7100K. The retro kit is mfg by custom sealife. I guess the question I have is this: Is this enough light? Is the light the right temp for a sucessful coral population. Am I missing anything?
Thanks in advance, Jpower@gmx.net
 
coral beauty

coral beauty

Member
Based on my knowledge I think you will be a little low on light.On the average for corals you would probably need 4~5 watts per gallon.
 
broomer5

broomer5

Active Member
I'm running 4x65 watt CSL pc lighting over my 75 now.
(2) 8800k daylights & (2) ultra-actinic blues
260 watts isn't all that much for this size tank.
Enough to keep what I have alive for now - but I don't see the growth I'd like.
You may get away with some softies and shrooms/polyps - but no way would I consider placing sps or too many hard corals under my current lighting today.
If you're looking at PC's for hard corals - that's fine, but you'll need more intensity.
If CSL makes a 4x96 watt retro - you may want to consider going that way.
Better yet - consider spending the money on metal halide from the get go - then you know you'll be in good shape later on down the road.
I wish I had thought ahead when I purchased my CSL's.
 
power

power

Member
PLease correct me if I am wrong.
Power compact is 3.5 to 1. My understanding is that for every regular watt a PC is 3.5. With that calculation in mind. The
192 watts of PC is actually a bit over 650. This calulation would in theory give me 8 watts per gallon? Insight?
 
broomer5

broomer5

Active Member
Thanks power,
It may be 3.5 to 1 light intensity over normal output fluorescents - I don't know for sure though.
The whole watts per gallon thing is a mess to begin with. It has little to do with what we do in this hobby - except as a very general rule of thumb - one that is more confusing than worth it to me I might add.
I'm just replying what I have - and my experience with this lighting over my tank, and the corals I keep.
That's all ;)
There are several members on this BB that I consider lighting guru's.
Maybe they'll be able to help too.
 
power

power

Member
Thanks for your insight. I am looking at 4x 96 right now but my tank gets hot already. 81-83 That light in my canopy might make me get a chiller and that I can't do this summer. Should I wait?
 
broomer5

broomer5

Active Member
Does your canopy have electric fans installed in it ?
If you're in love with your existing canopy/hood, and it doesn't have fans installed - it could get pretty hot under there.
Have you considered building a DIY canopy and placing the retro in there ? It's a option if you're handy with basic tools.
Or you could get a complete CSL ABS hood with the fans, and the 4x96, but that has a high sticker price.
For that money - I would certainly look hard a halides.
What about the DIY idea ?
 
power

power

Member
I've got all the DIY I can currently handle with keeping everyone happy, healthy and alive. (including my wife & kids) I guess I could buy a new canopy? Who is CLS?
 
power

power

Member
Just so I'm clear. Buy the unit. Remove the canopy completely and go with the light only? Not unlike your older 55 g set up?
 
saltyrich

saltyrich

Active Member
You should also consider a VHO retro. I believe that the bulbs for a 75 are 110watt bulbs. I'd say 440 watts of VHO lighting would do whatever you wanted to do. They don't run as hot as MH lighting.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
The 3.5 - 1 ratio applies to PC vs NO light intensity. This does not relate to light output unfortunately. In other words the PC light will penetrate further into the water but you will need more of it to achieve a uniform coverage.
 
almarktool

almarktool

Member
i bought the 4 x 96 pc from hamilton since i have a 72 bow front i bought the complete unit and put it on top of my glass covers my tank temp is 81.5
 
P

pa reef pig

Guest
hey Power, I have a 4-65w PC setup for sale. I'd be willing to make a deal on.
 
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