What is moderate light intensity?

[salty2275]

I have a 75 gal. tank which is about 20" deep. I like the LPS type corals. I'd also like to have clams for nitrate export. I know the clams prefer very strong lighting and most of the LPS like what is described as moderate light intensity. Are these creatures compatible because of their different lighting needs? What would be a great light fixture for me?

 

[rujelus22]

Yes I have two clams and a galaxia and frogspawn(which are considered LPS), it all depends on where you put them in the tank, and if you acclimate your LPS to more light they should be able to handle it just fine

 

[salty2275]

I'm debating between 2-250 wt. MH and 2-150 wt. MH. Which system would be best for the clams/LPS such as the ones you mention?

 

[rujelus22]

Is there going to be an actinic or just metal halide

 

[salty2275]

I'm looking at two different light systems; both have pc lights as well as the MH. The Outer Orbit fixture has 2-150 wt with I think 2-130 wt pc. The Coralife fixture has 2-250 wt MH and I think 2-95 wt. pcs.

 

[rujelus22]

Either should be fine, if you go with the 2X250(the one I would probably get), just don't put any softies or low light corals up at the top.

 

[salty2275]

Thanks for all your help! It seems as though the 250 fixture would be best for clams sitting down on the sandbed. However, I'm concerned that I might burn up my LPS and any softies. Would you say, placing the LPS in maybe the bottom half of the tank would be okay?
With the 150 set, I'm assuming any clam would have to be a rock dweller very high in the tank. The LPS though would be able to go about anywhere. Is my theory valid? I'm very new and would like to have a fixture offering alot of flexibility. I would also like to do it right the first time as I don't have unlimited funds for mistakes.

I'm thinking that maybe for the first year or so I'll stick to softies and leathers. The LPS/clam plan is my ultimate goal after about a year.

 

[rujelus22]

Well you could burn softies, but as log as there not in direct light they should be fine, as far as LPS they would be fine just about any where, they can take quiet a lot of light.

 

[salty2275]

So you think if I go with the 250's, I could place corals and LPS just about anywhere in the tank?

 

[rujelus22]

LPS yes softies would need to be on the bottom or in a shaded area

 

[salty2275]

It seems then that the 250 would definitely have more flexibility...with the exception of softies. Of course, I'd be shelling more out for the set up but it sounds as though it would be worth it. Do you think the 250 lights would require a chiller?

 

[salty2275]

One more newbie question for you...I know clams are great for nitrate export. Are LPS corals also a benefit for nitrate export?

 

[rujelus22]

Most corals won't help with nitrates, and if you have fans on your lights and there mounted high enough off the water you shouldn't need a chiller, also if you go with a sump for filtration, when the water goes down to that it will help cool the water down

 

[salty2275]

Thanks again for all your help!