When does tank depth effect Lighting

old salt

old salt

Member
How many inches deep does a tank have to be before it reduces the effectiveness of lights? I'm looking at 24 to 30 inches... I want to avoid having to go overboard on lights... thinking FOWLR for now, but moving to full reef in time....
 
up north hermit

up north hermit

Member
You will need Metal Halide for a reef tank that deep.
For a FOWLR simple NO will work just fine. If there is any chance you will eventually be going reef, save your money and get the proper lighting. Don't waste your money now, trust me you will end up with equipment you wish you didn't have in lieu of equipment you wish you did have. Most of us have been that route, that is why we give you this advice.
I have wasted literally hundreds of dollars on "just for now" stuff, only to upgrade later. I have finally learned, get the best and get it first. Saves you major $$$$.
My humble .02
HTH
Hermit
 
03

03

Member
go buy a lux meter at your lfs and that will tel you what intensity the light is at whaterer depth you have the meter!and then find out about the requirements the coral you are buying need for light.
 
bobj

bobj

Member
Light intensity diminishes from the surface down. 20,000 lux at the surface will be about 10,000 lux at 12 inches and 5000 lux at 18 to 24 inches. A lux meter is the best method for determining intensity at any depth.
 
sonny

sonny

Member
Most recommend using a minimum of 175 watt MH for tanks under 18" deep, 250 watt MH 18-24" deep, and 400 watt for over 24" deep. I believe in using higher wattage anyway. The light for a deep tank will not matter much if you are not keeping corals. MH is more cost effective in the long run. More light for the wattage, and lower replacement cost for lamps. With DIY ballasts you can have MH for about the same or even less than VHO flourescents.
Sonny
 
bobber

bobber

Member
Just to throw a curve at ya. If you have a 24" deep tank, and you put a DSB or Plenum of 6", then your depth has changed to 18". Big difference when we are talking about lighting. Just wanted to point out that there are ways to change the depth. --Bob
 
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