Zoo's and lighting

[maxalmon]

One of my tanks is going to be a zoo display only tank, LR, LS along with a few clowns. Question is what is the optimal lighting for a 75g tall tank. I'm leaning towards the Outer orbit 1X150W MH Lamp & 2X96W Power Compact Actinic Lamps for a total of 342w. This equals out to 4.56w per gallon, but actual water volume is more like 60g at 5.7w per gallon. Do you use tank volume or real water volume to calculate w/per gallon. Is this light over kill and am I better off going with just actinics minus the MH.

 

[jakebtc]

it's the actual tank volume, you're trying to cover the whole tank not just the amount of water
you could just go with a 400 metal halide at 14,000k and you'd have 5.3 watts a gal
and only one bulb to replace a yr
they aren't light demanding but for taller tanks you want more halide lighting then flour as they can effectively reach the bottom of the tank.
all just my opinion

 

[lionfish1]

You would go by whats in your tank because that's what your lighting. Watts/g isn't real measuring unit lights vs. amount of water. you really are looking for a par value based on your tank dimensions if you get what I'm saying without getting into it too much.

 

[jakebtc]

save you a fair amount of money every yr in replacement bulbs

 

[maxalmon]

10k or 14k MH better for zoo's? From what I have learned the colors are more brillant under MH but whats best for growth?

 

[jakebtc]

the lower the # the more intense "white"so the more growth
the higher the bluer
14,000 is an all around good color imo a mix of both good growth and pleasing to view

 

[fanker]

i would go w/ t-5s. there cheaper, less wattage but brighter. a 4-54w fixure should be fine.

 

[maxalmon]

just got a 1000w, 14k MH....

Can't wait for the electric bill to arrive when I plug that monster in