SPS lighting

artistreefer · 02/19/2007, 11:54 AM

I am planning a 180g mostly acropora tank and was wonder what is a good lighting system to go with. Also about how many watts per gal is sufficiant for good color and growth

Amphiprion · 02/19/2007, 12:15 PM

3-250w halides with a good reflector should work just fine.

gasman059 · 02/19/2007, 03:52 PM

3 400 W WIL DEF GET U GOING ON THE HIGH END. bUT 250 IS ENUFF

SunnyX · 02/19/2007, 04:26 PM

Make sure you get some Lumenarc III reflectors.

MiddletonMark · 02/19/2007, 04:29 PM

IMO, go with 250's ... but also go with one of the top reflectors. [like SunnyX suggests]

No reason to pay the powerbill for light that's getting wasted

artistreefer · 02/20/2007, 07:05 AM

Thanks

MightyMike3434 · 02/20/2007, 07:16 AM

Color is not specific or limited to watts/gal
In some cases the color temp of the bulbs you are using will change your color popping corals, for example some folks prefer Xm 20k bulbs to the 14k.

02/19/2007, 11:54 AM	#1
artistreefer Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: El Dorado Ark. Posts: 24	SPS lighting I am planning a 180g mostly acropora tank and was wonder what is a good lighting system to go with. Also about how many watts per gal is sufficiant for good color and growth

02/19/2007, 12:15 PM	#2
Amphiprion Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 6,611	3-250w halides with a good reflector should work just fine. __________________ You've done it now, haven't you? Current Tank Info: 40g breeder patch reef w/ seagrass; 2-250w XM 10K; Vortech MP40wES & MP10wES; BM Curve 7 skimmer; carbon & occasional GFO

02/19/2007, 03:52 PM	#3
gasman059 The OG mad scientist Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: SOFLA Posts: 10,308	3 400 W WIL DEF GET U GOING ON THE HIGH END. bUT 250 IS ENUFF __________________ There's a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness". 1985-present Current Tank Info: Officially lurking!

02/19/2007, 04:29 PM	#5
MiddletonMark Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 14,441	IMO, go with 250's ... but also go with one of the top reflectors. [like SunnyX suggests] No reason to pay the powerbill for light that's getting wasted __________________ read a lot, think for yourself Current Tank Info: 58g stony reef [250w10k, 250w 20k MH, 2x vho act, Octopus150, 6060 + 6000] ; 60g mixed tub

02/19/2007, 04:26 PM	#4
SunnyX Moved On Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 4,991	Make sure you get some Lumenarc III reflectors.

02/20/2007, 07:05 AM	#6
artistreefer Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: El Dorado Ark. Posts: 24	Thanks

02/20/2007, 07:16 AM	#7
MightyMike3434 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Jersery City, NJ Posts: 55	Color is not specific or limited to watts/gal In some cases the color temp of the bulbs you are using will change your color popping corals, for example some folks prefer Xm 20k bulbs to the 14k.