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Unread 01/06/2010, 07:08 PM   #1
RandomHero426
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what can be kept under two vho tubes 24"

I was just wondering what could be kept under these on a icecap 430 ballast, I have two bulbs one actinic 03 and one actinic white, I believe both are UVL.


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Unread 01/06/2010, 07:31 PM   #2
zachfishman
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What size tank?


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Unread 01/06/2010, 07:31 PM   #3
smatter
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Depends how deep the tank is. On a 15L or a 20g you would not be too limited.


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Unread 01/06/2010, 07:40 PM   #4
zachfishman
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I agree. My first reef was a 20high (24x12x16") with 3 24" NO tubes on it (60watts), and I was able to grow plenty of softies and frogspawn. With 2 x 75watt VHO tubes you could grow pretty much anything except for maybe Acros and clams.


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Unread 01/07/2010, 09:43 AM   #5
Frick-n-Frags
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try a Montipora digitata as your go-to SPS guinea pig. they are hardy and grow in a wide range of light. if that does good, try a tough Acro like a slimer.

the only way you are going to know is to try. it is best getting frag scraps from local reefers, especially from the guy threatening to throw his massive colony in the backyard because it is growingtoo big..

i would not recommend ordering up some $75 sunset Montis as trial pieces


this is what i'll be doing in the next month or so. i have been slow cooking all the macros out of my system with no SPS for a long time. so it may be time to get a piece of the infamous Janda notso-LE tan Montipora digitata (IF he hasnt thrown that into the backyard yet ) or some such other "garbage" from someone local.

the point is i like to let a coral do the talking as to how my system is doing, but it could go bad, so i might have to get another piece later. but it's someone else's garbage, so it's all good.

(except green Poci, that is the SPS equivalent of hair algae or GSP)


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Current Tank Info: 2 50 gal tanks, sump, still BB
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Unread 01/07/2010, 01:33 PM   #6
RandomHero426
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Sorry I thought about that last night that I didnt put a tank size..its a 29 gallon.

I was hoping it would keep some of the more hardy sps.

I am looking for a second kit but just havnt found the right price on it.


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Unread 01/07/2010, 01:43 PM   #7
Frick-n-Frags
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good water quality is really the whole game. then, if you dont have enough light, you will have browner SPS because they are loaded up on Zoox to adjust to their light levels.

coloring up is a different game. after you get past keeping them happy, then you may need to beef the lights to color them up if you arent liking it.


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Unread 01/07/2010, 01:44 PM   #8
zachfishman
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As Frick-in-Frags wrote, you won't need any more light to keep hardy SPS. Montipora digitata and capricornis will grow just fine in a 29g with 2x24" VHOs. Once your reef is settled, you could experiment with some small acro frags in the top 1/2 of the tank; but I'd find a hobbyist to get them from rather than buying.


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Current Tank Info: 34g modded Solana
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Unread 01/07/2010, 01:51 PM   #9
RandomHero426
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Yeah, I never really buy from the LFS's around here mostly online, and I cant spend that kind of money on the LE or rare stuff anyways, my pockets wont allow it. but thanks for the help.


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Unread 01/07/2010, 02:57 PM   #10
corbett_n
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Can you use two white bulbs instead of an actinic, because you would get way more growth. do they make 50/50 VHo's?


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Unread 01/07/2010, 02:58 PM   #11
corbett_n
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or a blueish bulb that will still work for growth and give the coral some actinic type light for looks.


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Unread 01/07/2010, 03:08 PM   #12
zachfishman
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Absolutely. They make 50/50 VHOs as well as blueish white VHOs.


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Staff - Marine Discovery Center, St. Petersburg FL
Tampa Bay Reef Club BOD 2018

Current Tank Info: 34g modded Solana
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