Which lighting should I get? - Narrowed Choices
- Thread starter baondayko
- Start date
B
billb
Guest
I'm a novice, but I'll throw in my 2 cents...
number 1, gives you 192 watts at 96 cents per watt, at an average of 4.17 watts per gallon.
number 2, gives you 288 watts at $1.20 per watt, at an average of 6.26 watts per gallon.
number 3, gives you 220 watts at .73 cents per watt, at an average of 4.78 watts per gallon.
From what I have read, the more wattage the better your chances are of keeping any corals (in a nutshell). Some people don't agree with the watts per gallon method, but from what Iv'e read it's a good guideline.
I'd go with number 2, and you may still be iffy on keeping anenomes, but you should be ok with most soft corals.
As far as the moon lights go...stay posted here, there is plenty of information on building your own, and that is only if you subscribe to the school of thought that they do any good...
I'd never pay any extra for them... (albet. mine came with one, and I wonder if it keeps my sun coral from opening...)
good luck... just my thoughts...
Billb
number 1, gives you 192 watts at 96 cents per watt, at an average of 4.17 watts per gallon.
number 2, gives you 288 watts at $1.20 per watt, at an average of 6.26 watts per gallon.
number 3, gives you 220 watts at .73 cents per watt, at an average of 4.78 watts per gallon.
From what I have read, the more wattage the better your chances are of keeping any corals (in a nutshell). Some people don't agree with the watts per gallon method, but from what Iv'e read it's a good guideline.
I'd go with number 2, and you may still be iffy on keeping anenomes, but you should be ok with most soft corals.
As far as the moon lights go...stay posted here, there is plenty of information on building your own, and that is only if you subscribe to the school of thought that they do any good...
I'd never pay any extra for them... (albet. mine came with one, and I wonder if it keeps my sun coral from opening...)
good luck... just my thoughts...
Billb
bang guy
Moderator
The 3 X 96 looks like your best option for an Anemone. I strongly suggest a propogated Bubble Tip as having the best chance.
If you can upgrade the ballast of the 4 X T-5's to an IceCap 660 then that would be the best option. The IceCap will overdrive the T-5's and put out some really intense lighting.
If you can upgrade the ballast of the 4 X T-5's to an IceCap 660 then that would be the best option. The IceCap will overdrive the T-5's and put out some really intense lighting.