Power Compacts in a 75g

Hassman · 01/14/2008, 08:36 AM

Just wanted to get some opinions.

Recently got a 75 gal bow tank. 48 x 16 x 20. Little deeper than normal to preserve volume as the sump is in tank.

Anyway... keeping in mind that I'm planning on doing a deep sand bed, maybe 5 in deep or so... how crazy do I need to go with power compacts / T5s and all that?

I understand the basics of what to be looking for, but I lose sight when putting it all together. I've read a whole lot and some sources seem to contradict others. Some say wattage is important, others, not so much.

In the interest of being able to handle most corals, (one day) maybe even SPS, is there any rule of thumb that you guys tend to follow? Both in terms of wattage, color, as well as number.

I'm thinking that I'll need 4. 2x actinic, 2x 'daylight'. I'd like to add some of those LEDs that supposedly add the 'shimmer' provided by MH and probable drop a couple moonlights in there too for night.

So I guess to wrap my questions with a bow...
Is 4 going to be enough to penetrate?

Can I look more in the 64W range, or do I need 90s? or look higher?
I'm thinking the daylight bulbs to be around 10000K ? Can you get up to 15000K, something almost like daylight in a PC?

something like:
http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=329 (note: not necessarily the hood system. I'd probably need to do retrofit to be able to install into my canopy)

I'm not unnecessarily adverse to MH, but I don't think I have the room in my canopy. They would sit a few inches off the top of the tank.

The last thing I want to to starve any corals that make it in the take, but I also don't want to over-power them. Pretty much like everyone else out there.

I dunno, for some reason I live this mental block when it comes to lighting systems.

Hassman · 01/14/2008, 08:37 AM

Oops!! Clicked done too soon.

Thanks for taking the time to look at this thread!!

Cheers!
Mark

reef2 · 01/14/2008, 08:45 AM

i wouldnt waste my money on pc. id look at t5 ho retro with individual reflectors.4 bulbs to start and later u can add 2 more if need be.

masonicman · 01/14/2008, 08:53 AM

I have this on my 55 gallon. Same as the one you mention but less expensive. pcs work fine for me and i have a maximum clam thriving.

https://www.aquatraders.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=293

Hassman · 01/14/2008, 11:34 AM

So it sounds like the 2 and 2 will be ok? Should get enough penetration to the bottom?

stingythingy45 · 01/14/2008, 11:48 AM

I also have 260 watt PC over a 55 and even have Monti plate growing high in the tank.
As well as all kinds of softies and LPS an anenome.
Everything seems to do pretty good so far.

01/14/2008, 08:36 AM	#1
Hassman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 55	Power Compacts in a 75g Just wanted to get some opinions. Recently got a 75 gal bow tank. 48 x 16 x 20. Little deeper than normal to preserve volume as the sump is in tank. Anyway... keeping in mind that I'm planning on doing a deep sand bed, maybe 5 in deep or so... how crazy do I need to go with power compacts / T5s and all that? I understand the basics of what to be looking for, but I lose sight when putting it all together. I've read a whole lot and some sources seem to contradict others. Some say wattage is important, others, not so much. In the interest of being able to handle most corals, (one day) maybe even SPS, is there any rule of thumb that you guys tend to follow? Both in terms of wattage, color, as well as number. I'm thinking that I'll need 4. 2x actinic, 2x 'daylight'. I'd like to add some of those LEDs that supposedly add the 'shimmer' provided by MH and probable drop a couple moonlights in there too for night. So I guess to wrap my questions with a bow... Is 4 going to be enough to penetrate? Can I look more in the 64W range, or do I need 90s? or look higher? I'm thinking the daylight bulbs to be around 10000K ? Can you get up to 15000K, something almost like daylight in a PC? something like: http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=329 (note: not necessarily the hood system. I'd probably need to do retrofit to be able to install into my canopy) I'm not unnecessarily adverse to MH, but I don't think I have the room in my canopy. They would sit a few inches off the top of the tank. The last thing I want to to starve any corals that make it in the take, but I also don't want to over-power them. Pretty much like everyone else out there. I dunno, for some reason I live this mental block when it comes to lighting systems. __________________ Mark Current Tank Info: 75g - 96w x 4 PC (2x actinic, 2x 10k), 130lbs live rock. Cleaner shrimp, yellow tang, blue tang, goby, 2x clown fish (they like to lay eggs), green stripped shrooms, green star polyps, toadstools, hammer and torch corals, and zoas oh my!

01/14/2008, 08:37 AM	#2
Hassman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 55	Oops!! Clicked done too soon. Thanks for taking the time to look at this thread!! Cheers! Mark __________________ Mark Current Tank Info: 75g - 96w x 4 PC (2x actinic, 2x 10k), 130lbs live rock. Cleaner shrimp, yellow tang, blue tang, goby, 2x clown fish (they like to lay eggs), green stripped shrooms, green star polyps, toadstools, hammer and torch corals, and zoas oh my!

01/14/2008, 08:53 AM	#4
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	I have this on my 55 gallon. Same as the one you mention but less expensive. pcs work fine for me and i have a maximum clam thriving. https://www.aquatraders.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=293 __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB.

01/14/2008, 11:34 AM	#5
Hassman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 55	So it sounds like the 2 and 2 will be ok? Should get enough penetration to the bottom? __________________ Mark Current Tank Info: 75g - 96w x 4 PC (2x actinic, 2x 10k), 130lbs live rock. Cleaner shrimp, yellow tang, blue tang, goby, 2x clown fish (they like to lay eggs), green stripped shrooms, green star polyps, toadstools, hammer and torch corals, and zoas oh my!

01/14/2008, 11:48 AM	#6
stingythingy45 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: MA Posts: 3,296	I also have 260 watt PC over a 55 and even have Monti plate growing high in the tank. As well as all kinds of softies and LPS an anenome. Everything seems to do pretty good so far. __________________ Bob Current Tank Info: 90 gallon,mixed Reef,2-250 watt Optix 3 pendants(Phoenix 14K)2-54 watt T5 Super actnics ,ASM G-2 Gate/recirc mods,70 gal. basement sump,20L ref

01/14/2008, 08:45 AM	#3
reef2 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 639	i wouldnt waste my money on pc. id look at t5 ho retro with individual reflectors.4 bulbs to start and later u can add 2 more if need be.