SPS question

[Condiman]

What kinda of SPS would you put in a tank with 350 watts of PC lighting

[Charles Poole]

It really depends on the size of the tank.

[Condiman]

25 gallon flatback hex

[Charles Poole]

Wow! In that case, provided you have good water movement and water quality, you should be able to keep most any SPS.

How in the world did you get 350 watts of PC lighting over that tank? :)

[Condiman]

It took a bit of creativity but I origionally had 4 55 watt PC on the tank then I got a good deal on 2 65 watt ballest and endcaps so I put it on and things took off rightaway although I have to adjust the timers to accomidate yet for the extra light also the tank is only 20 in tall

[Condiman]

this was an older pic before I put the new bulbs in

[paulsreef]

First off, let me say "Hi" as this is my first post on this board. :-D That's an impressive load of lights over that tank! My first response to your question when I read it was "you don't," then I saw the size of the tank. Is heat an issue with that many bulbs over the tank?

- Paul

[Condiman]

Already have that solved with a fan blowin in on both ends over the water the temp is at a constant 78

[Aquatic Realms]

Personally that is a tad bit high on the wattage for a 25 gallon tank. If you went by the old rule of WPG you would have 14W Per Gallon.

Not to mention that tank isn't very deep/wide/high so IMO you should drop a little light off that tank.

Try to bring it around 200-250W. (Not to mention your electric bill will shrink.)

[Charles Poole]

Not to be a stick in the mudd, but the actuall intensity of a bulb has little to do with the rated wattage. The rated wattage is actually power consumed. That is a big factor, as the heat created by PC is a sign of energy lost. I have run the same wattage PC on my 20 gallon anemone tank, then switched to a 175 watt MH, and the difference is very noticable.

Just remember to acclimate any new coral purchaces, buy starting them off lower in the water, or raising the lights for a bit.

Many people have and do run 400 wat Halides and radiums on tanks that are only 18 - 24 inches deep. Just have to make sure the animal has a fair chance to adapt.

[Condiman]

Thanks CRL

[Zack]

Let us know how it goes. Love to see some sps shots ;)

[Condiman]

all I have right now is a small pavona but hopefully more to come

[Zack]

:D :D :D :D yep yep u goona start frags or go larger?

I Like To Start Frags Because You Get To Watch them Grow. Also It Gives Your Wallet A Chance To Grow :badgrin:

[blackangler]

who ever said that you could have any sps you want is not correct. as stated above the wattage of the light had notiing to do with the intacity. but i would say you have enough lighting for any montipora, and a few species of acro, ie. yogie. i would reccomed prolicropora, and porites but not acro's for they need mh lights, a though for you would be to sell your pc lights and but a 250 double ended light and it would enable you to grow any coral you want(a few exemptions apply) but also a good choice would be milipora, ie fast growing, and requiring less light.

also make sure that you are supplementing kalk or have a calcium reactor. to keep your calcioum to 450ppm.

Species to consider.
Montipora digita.
montipora capricornous(sp).
policrppora(sp)
milipora(sp)
porites(sp)
acropora yogie
hydropora.(sp)

good luck,
william tyson

[Condiman]

Not really to many places around where I live that handle SPS and now that it is winter it is to cold to ship

[Zack]

any local reefers for frags?

[H3R0]

salt water city sells frags i think

[Zack]

yea not a lot of $$$, i was also just asking Condiman, if he knew reefers that did?

[Condiman]

only one local and she is just startin

[Condiman]

my calcium never really drops below 450 so I should be good

[reewik]

Well lets see some pics of this tank.

[Condiman]

Go to the gallery I have some of my photos there