30 inch deep, clam SPS tank... general light considerations

FishTruck · 07/22/2007, 03:57 PM

I am looking at a moonview 170 gallon bowfront tank.

It is 59 inches long, 30 inches deep, and 21 wide.

I have four happy clams living under a 150 watt metal halide lamp in a baby pool right now.

The question is this... in a 30 inch deep tank, where there will be SPS near the top, and, (perhaps) clams on the sandbed... how best to set up the lights?

Currently, I am thinking two 400 watt MH in the front of the canopy. Luminarc mini reflectors. If needed, supplement T5s near the back for the top level SPS. Or, a lighting kit like this one.

http://www.aquavim.com/aquavim_mh_system.htm see the 48 inch 908 watt lighting.

Any input would be appreciated. Choice of bulbs, ballast, place to buy 400w stuff, T5s needed... yes no.

Ryan.

badgerlaw · 07/22/2007, 04:11 PM

With a 30 inch deep tank the 400 watts halides are your best lighting option to get the light to penetrate to the bottom of the tank.

nyvp · 07/22/2007, 05:29 PM

the 250w xm10k run on pfo hqi had higher par then most 400 watters

FishTruck · 07/22/2007, 07:20 PM

Right. The ballast and bulb can make a huge difference, which is why I have some reservations about the fixture to which I posted a link.

07/22/2007, 03:57 PM	#1
FishTruck Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Downers Grove, IL Posts: 805	30 inch deep, clam SPS tank... general light considerations I am looking at a moonview 170 gallon bowfront tank. It is 59 inches long, 30 inches deep, and 21 wide. I have four happy clams living under a 150 watt metal halide lamp in a baby pool right now. The question is this... in a 30 inch deep tank, where there will be SPS near the top, and, (perhaps) clams on the sandbed... how best to set up the lights? Currently, I am thinking two 400 watt MH in the front of the canopy. Luminarc mini reflectors. If needed, supplement T5s near the back for the top level SPS. Or, a lighting kit like this one. http://www.aquavim.com/aquavim_mh_system.htm see the 48 inch 908 watt lighting. Any input would be appreciated. Choice of bulbs, ballast, place to buy 400w stuff, T5s needed... yes no. Ryan.

07/22/2007, 04:11 PM	#2
badgerlaw Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: SOCAL Posts: 247	With a 30 inch deep tank the 400 watts halides are your best lighting option to get the light to penetrate to the bottom of the tank.

07/22/2007, 05:29 PM	#3
nyvp Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hollywood Florida Posts: 3,633	the 250w xm10k run on pfo hqi had higher par then most 400 watters

07/22/2007, 07:20 PM	#4
FishTruck Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Downers Grove, IL Posts: 805	Right. The ballast and bulb can make a huge difference, which is why I have some reservations about the fixture to which I posted a link.