Power compacts for corals?

[dmh]

I've read that for corals you need 10K lumens per square meter. I have a 55 gallon tank (48 x 12) which means it is only .38 sqaure meters (roughly), which would indicate that I need only 3800 lumens (which seems ridiculously low). I am aiming for a setup (which Im building) with 2 96w power compacts (a 10K daylight that puts out 8100 lumens, and a ActBlue thats pumps out another 2480, for a total of 10580 lumens).
I realize that on a watt-for-watt basis PCs put out *much* more light than VHOs, but can that formula be right? If so, is 2 96w PCs going to hurt anything? Will I fry my corals? That's nearly 3 times the recomended light output.

 

[dmh]

Lumens is the actual light output. Wattage only measures the power that goes through the bulb. Power compacts are much more efficient than standard flourescents (Ive heard anywhere from 2 to 4 times the light output of VHOs). I think when people talk about watts per gallon, they are generally talking about VHOs or MH, so the W/Gal method doesn't really work for PCs. I read the 10000 lumen/sq meter on another site, but it just doesn't sound right.

 

[dmh]

Well, we can figure this whole thing out if someone can come up with the lumen rating on a 110W VHO bulb. I would think it would be on the box. Anyone?

 

[piscesblue]

I run 4x36w pc's on my 30gal and they definately pack a punch, although they look awfully dim. I use 1 36" 20k NO bulb and 1 36" actinic NO bulb to add the brightness that I desire. Also, the PC's actinic bulb puts out a very blue light which only makes my yellow stars glow. The NO actinic has a purple light which makes everything glow. A very pleasing combination to the eye and the corals.

 

[dmh]

Exactly what I was looking for rblehm. I think I'll go with the 2 96w PCs and add a couple of the bluest (purple) NOs I can find for effect. Thanks!

 

[nm reef]

I added 2x110 vho(uri actinic blue) to my 2x65 pc combo and 2x65 10k pc's........got to tell ya....I like it........all this is on a 55 and thats 8.5 watts + per gal.........the difference was astounding...........much better color to every thing.........

 

[fish]

I have 2 96W on my 58 gallon reef ready tank and it is doing great. I have button coral,yellow polyps,green brain and xenia. One is white and one is blue. Hope this helps!
Fish