6watts/gallon of MH enough?

Steadyhand · 10/09/2006, 03:01 PM

I have a 50g AGA (18x18x36) with two 150w MH screw on pendants (one is 14k - one is 20k). They are from Coralife and I'm having decent luck with them working (knock on wood).

My question are:

1. Is this enough light for corals (SPS and LPS mixed)?
2. Is there a simple reason to use 14k vs. 20k vs. 10k?
3. Is there a standard for SPS vs. LPS?
4. Does it matter my tank is only 18" deep (16.5" with the sand bed!)?

Thanks a bunch in advance,

Rich

neotekz · 10/09/2006, 04:00 PM

you might be able to get away with having your sps higher up in the tank.
10000k is the best color for corals but is a bit yellow so u will need to have antinics.

Steadyhand · 10/09/2006, 05:04 PM

Thanks - I've noticed my 20k is more blue than my 14k - I'm assuming the color spectrum is the difference. Since I've posted this, I've been able to find a few sites online that discuss lightbult spectrums, so wish me luck in my research.

I've seen posted varying opinions on SPS vs. LPS - so I'm still a bit unsure if this 6w/per gallon is enough for a mixed reef.

Rich

neotekz · 10/09/2006, 06:34 PM

watts per gallon is just a rule of thumb, i wouldn't take it too seriously. 6w/gallon is very different is a tank that 16in deep compared to a 24in tank. it;s all about the penetrating power of your light. the depth of your tank and type of light is much more important than how many watts u have.

yes 20000k is very blue and will be able to stand alone without antinics if you like your tank being darker and more blue.

not sure what u mean by sps vs lps, your lighting is on the low side of sps but i think u can get away with it. just put the sps higher up.

10/09/2006, 03:01 PM	#1
Steadyhand Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia Posts: 92	6watts/gallon of MH enough? I have a 50g AGA (18x18x36) with two 150w MH screw on pendants (one is 14k - one is 20k). They are from Coralife and I'm having decent luck with them working (knock on wood). My question are: 1. Is this enough light for corals (SPS and LPS mixed)? 2. Is there a simple reason to use 14k vs. 20k vs. 10k? 3. Is there a standard for SPS vs. LPS? 4. Does it matter my tank is only 18" deep (16.5" with the sand bed!)? Thanks a bunch in advance, Rich

10/09/2006, 06:34 PM	#4
neotekz Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: ottawa, Ontario Posts: 698	watts per gallon is just a rule of thumb, i wouldn't take it too seriously. 6w/gallon is very different is a tank that 16in deep compared to a 24in tank. it;s all about the penetrating power of your light. the depth of your tank and type of light is much more important than how many watts u have. yes 20000k is very blue and will be able to stand alone without antinics if you like your tank being darker and more blue. not sure what u mean by sps vs lps, your lighting is on the low side of sps but i think u can get away with it. just put the sps higher up. Last edited by neotekz; 10/09/2006 at 06:59 PM.

10/09/2006, 04:00 PM	#2
neotekz Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: ottawa, Ontario Posts: 698	you might be able to get away with having your sps higher up in the tank. 10000k is the best color for corals but is a bit yellow so u will need to have antinics.

10/09/2006, 05:04 PM	#3
Steadyhand Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia Posts: 92	Thanks - I've noticed my 20k is more blue than my 14k - I'm assuming the color spectrum is the difference. Since I've posted this, I've been able to find a few sites online that discuss lightbult spectrums, so wish me luck in my research. I've seen posted varying opinions on SPS vs. LPS - so I'm still a bit unsure if this 6w/per gallon is enough for a mixed reef. Rich