How many watts per gallon?

Clouded · 08/24/2006, 11:21 PM

How many watts per gallon should I have over my 110 gal tha is 22"tall, I want to keep sps.

theatrus · 08/24/2006, 11:25 PM

Don't ask WPG

What are your other 2 tank dimensions?

I would say 2x250W MH + T5 actinics if its a 4' tank.

Clouded · 08/24/2006, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by theatrus
Don't ask WPG

What are your other 2 tank dimensions?

I would say 2x250W MH + T5 actinics if its a 4' tank.

I thought watts is what mattered?

theatrus · 08/24/2006, 11:32 PM

Watts matter, but different lighting sources of similar wattages perform very differently.

Other option I'd suggest for SPS is an 8bulb T5 fixture with induvidual reflectors per bulb

But without tank length its hard to help. T5 is not so cost effective on a 6' tank (they don't make 6' t5 bulbs, meaning you'd need to get a whole nother set or stagger them - which leaves darker edges). Whereas its simple to add a third MH bulb to those last 2'.

Also, do you have a canopy already so you could use a retrofit kit?

Clouded · 08/24/2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by theatrus
Watts matter, but different lighting sources of similar wattages perform very differently.

Other option I'd suggest for SPS is an 8bulb T5 fixture with induvidual reflectors per bulb

But without tank length its hard to help. T5 is not so cost effective on a 6' tank (they don't make 6' t5 bulbs, meaning you'd need to get a whole nother set or stagger them - which leaves darker edges). Whereas its simple to add a third MH bulb to those last 2'.

Also, do you have a canopy already so you could use a retrofit kit?

tank is 4'L and 2' deep 12" tall canopy...

08/24/2006, 11:21 PM	#1
Clouded Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 193	How many watts per gallon? How many watts per gallon should I have over my 110 gal tha is 22"tall, I want to keep sps.

08/24/2006, 11:25 PM	#2
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	Don't ask WPG What are your other 2 tank dimensions? I would say 2x250W MH + T5 actinics if its a 4' tank. __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

08/24/2006, 11:32 PM	#4
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	Watts matter, but different lighting sources of similar wattages perform very differently. Other option I'd suggest for SPS is an 8bulb T5 fixture with induvidual reflectors per bulb But without tank length its hard to help. T5 is not so cost effective on a 6' tank (they don't make 6' t5 bulbs, meaning you'd need to get a whole nother set or stagger them - which leaves darker edges). Whereas its simple to add a third MH bulb to those last 2'. Also, do you have a canopy already so you could use a retrofit kit? __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics