watts per gallon

messy1messmer · 01/30/2006, 08:04 PM

For a Acro tank with some LPS and clams what should i have for proper watts per gallon. I have a 75 right know, with 2x175 mh and 2x65 PC. It equals about 6.4
thanks

Andrew · 01/30/2006, 08:13 PM

Don't pay attention to the watter per gallon. 150 watt of mh is way differen't then 150 watts of pc.

j0tca · 01/30/2006, 08:30 PM

More than watts per gallon comes closeness to the bulbs. It doesn't matter if you have a 1000 Gallon system or a 50 Gallon system. If your clam is 10" under the surface directly under your bulb.

Watts per gallon is a guide to a well distributed tank, and frankly is a measure that I am very against. 175's wont give you the depth of light that 250W will, but it should be more than fine.

By the way, clams aren't as light dependant as rumored, i've seen them kept under NO lights happily.

messy1messmer · 01/31/2006, 01:33 AM

thanks guys. Do you guys think daul 400 would be over kill on my tank or would 250 be more than enough.

Blown 346 · 01/31/2006, 02:54 AM

The 2 250 halides will be more than enough for a 75. The 400 would be too much unless you have certain high light demanding corals you want to keep.

j0tca · 01/31/2006, 07:49 AM

I agree with blown, 2X250 would be fine

jeffbrig · 01/31/2006, 08:03 AM

How deep is your tank, or, how far down are you placing the corals? I'm not sure it's necessary to go from 175w to 250w. If you think you're a little short of lighting intensity, you could just replace the supplemental PCs with T5s (much better light penetration).

01/30/2006, 08:04 PM	#1
messy1messmer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: fort collins co Posts: 1,252	watts per gallon For a Acro tank with some LPS and clams what should i have for proper watts per gallon. I have a 75 right know, with 2x175 mh and 2x65 PC. It equals about 6.4 thanks

01/31/2006, 01:33 AM	#4
messy1messmer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: fort collins co Posts: 1,252	thanks guys. Do you guys think daul 400 would be over kill on my tank or would 250 be more than enough. __________________ Save the world and the reefs Steve Messmer Current Tank Info: 120g sps,lps,zoas, tek T5 8x54, Mrc3, 5 tunze nano streams.

01/31/2006, 08:03 AM	#7
jeffbrig Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Posts: 5,548	How deep is your tank, or, how far down are you placing the corals? I'm not sure it's necessary to go from 175w to 250w. If you think you're a little short of lighting intensity, you could just replace the supplemental PCs with T5s (much better light penetration). __________________ Beware the power of stupid people in large groups..... Current Tank Info: formerly 250g room divider

01/30/2006, 08:13 PM	#2
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	Don't pay attention to the watter per gallon. 150 watt of mh is way differen't then 150 watts of pc.

01/30/2006, 08:30 PM	#3
j0tca Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 916	More than watts per gallon comes closeness to the bulbs. It doesn't matter if you have a 1000 Gallon system or a 50 Gallon system. If your clam is 10" under the surface directly under your bulb. Watts per gallon is a guide to a well distributed tank, and frankly is a measure that I am very against. 175's wont give you the depth of light that 250W will, but it should be more than fine. By the way, clams aren't as light dependant as rumored, i've seen them kept under NO lights happily.

01/31/2006, 02:54 AM	#5
Blown 346 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rockford, Illinois Posts: 6,596	The 2 250 halides will be more than enough for a 75. The 400 would be too much unless you have certain high light demanding corals you want to keep.

01/31/2006, 07:49 AM	#6
j0tca Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 916	I agree with blown, 2X250 would be fine