Ideal Watts Per Gallon To Keep SPS & LPS Hard Corals

[brownsugar]

Apart from massive flow whats the general rule for Watts per gallon.

Right now im running power compacts but seem to be shifting towards T-5VHO lights or Metal Halides.

My PC only give approx 2 Watts Per gallon what is the general rule of thumb ?

[Purple Penguins]

for Sps you can get away with about 3-5 W per gallon but for Lps it should be 5-7 watts per gallon, for Lps PC lights are not suggested as far as i know

[kau_cinta_ku]

Originally posted by Purple Penguins
for Sps you can get away with about 3-5 W per gallon but for Lps it should be 5-7 watts per gallon, for Lps PC lights are not suggested as far as i know

most SPS need more light then LPS I am running T5HO and am getting a little over 4 watts per gal. and am keeping everything from softies to some of the higher light demamding SPS's. placement is the key though.

[FLReefGirl]

I'm still learning about lights so please excuse me if this is stupid...
is this watts/gal rule for all bulb combines or just actinics?

[drummereef]

If it's for your 150G (60x24x24), I would do 2 or 3 250watt metal halides. You'll probably be able to get away with 2 if you have good reflectors like Lumenarcs. But if it's predominately SPS I'd do 3.

[JamesJR]

yeah, it is not so much wattage as the intensity can vary between lighting and even the bulbs. for instance, YOu would be surprised at how much difference there is in intensity between a 10,000k bulb and a 14,000k bulb even if they are the same wattage.

I would agree with drummerreef. if you are talking about your 150 you can't go wrong with metal halides. You can keep sps under less lighting but if you've never had them before this can be really tough to do.

[d4a2n0k]

Watts per gallon is not a good way to determine lighting, especially with metal halide.

If you want to keep SPS in a 55 gallon (48 x 13 x 20) you would need 2 x 250w metal halides to cover the tank. If you want to keep SPS in a 120 gallon (48 x 24 x 24), those same 2 x 250w metal halides will do the job. In the 55 it works out to over 9 watts/gallon and in the 120 it works out to over 4 watts per gallon but you would be able to keep anything you could in the 55.

[michaeldaly]

I think tank depth is far more important that watts per gallon.

150 W 18 inch and shallower
250W 18 - 24in
400 24in +

[brownsugar]

I would love to have 3 x 250 watt fixtures but my wallet cannot afford it.

There are two units which are in my price range.

One is an Aqua Medic unit 4 foot length (only made in 4 foot or 6 foot ) -

Aquasunlight N6
2 x 250 watt Metal Halides
2 X 54 watt T5HO
LED Moonlight

The other is a Chinese brand which is ¼ of the price & 5 foot length.

SunSun
2 x 250W 20K
2 x 80W T5HO
LED Moonlight

Usually its a no brainer but i haven't really heard about SunSun & fear the warranty issues if anything happens.

Could i attempt using these units & possibly place corals under the relevant lamps means a bit of aquascaping but it doesnt really bother me?

[brownsugar]

And i also still have my PC unit in addition

[brownsugar]

bump sorry i havent visited in a while

[t-bone2]

Originally posted by michaeldaly
I think tank depth is far more important that watts per gallon.

150 W 18 inch and shallower
250W 18 - 24in
400 24in +

agreed its all about light penitration

[mg426]

If you are handy you can DIY an awesome system for at less $$$$
WWW.hellolights.com