Acro lighting question

megatron_55 · #1 03-20-2005, 05:49 AM

Hey lighting guru's . . . "MeGa" needs yet another help from u guys . . . Im planning to setup a 72 gallon tank (I believe its 48"x18"x20H) Im planning to buy a coralife fixture which is 2x175watt 10000k MH and 2 HO uri actinics . . . Is this enough wattage to keep colorful acroporas and MAXIMA clams??? PLS. LMK!! Thanks in advance

Here's a pic

Tarolisol · #2 03-20-2005, 05:51 AM

The acros should be placed towards the top and they should be fine there, cant help you with the clams im not sure how much light they require.

megatron_55 · #3 03-20-2005, 05:56 AM

What lighting are you guys using?? For anyone who has a tank that is 20-24" high?? Pls HeLp!! Thanks!! . . . or shouldI go for 2-250 watt just incase?? (I hate upgrading so much!!)

Aquattro · #4 03-20-2005, 06:11 AM

I started keeping acros in a 75g with 2 x 175w, they did OK, grew well. Maximas did ok also.
I'll now be running 2 x 400w on the same tank, which intorduces heat issues.
Overall, I think you'll be fine with that setup.

vanreefer · #5 03-20-2005, 08:04 AM

Mega
I am current;y running 2 x 250W DE's

( I need the shades) plus 260 W actinic PC on my 77 gal

Have several acros that are doing great groeing like MAD

. I also got a crocea from OA today, and am confident I have enough light... I agree upgrading is a PITA.
Dano
PS still got that acro frag?

ABreefkpr · #6 03-21-2005, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megatron_55

What lighting are you guys using?? For anyone who has a tank that is 20-24" high?? Pls HeLp!! Thanks!! . . . or shouldI go for 2-250 watt just incase?? (I hate upgrading so much!!)

Acro's will grow just fine under 175W MH and so will the clam but I have been told that they won't keep their color for long. I had an acro when I first up-graded to a 175W MH and it was brown, it grew like crazy but stayed brown. I run 400's in my SPS tank now.

Keith

danny zubot · #7 03-21-2005, 03:10 PM

I run a single 250watt 14K with pc suppliments over my tank and its about 20-22 inches. My sps grows fine so I think your should too. Just remember to slowly increase your photo period to avoid photo shocking you corals.

michika · #8 03-23-2005, 05:28 PM

Your clam and acros should be fine under that lighting, I'm only running a single 400w MH bulb durring the day and I haven't had problems yet.

The only that I would suggest is to make sure that the flow rates are good, I found that flow rate coupled with lighting makes for much more quality growth (coloration) then if you just have the right lights!