Is this light strong enough

whiteangelbw · #1 06-24-2009, 06:31 PM

Tank is 24" deep and would like to get a couple of clams, is this light powerful enough.

48" Black Coralife Metal Halide Light - 2 x 175W Hamilton 14k Bulbs +
Actinic/10,000K supplement.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

fencer · #2 06-24-2009, 06:38 PM

You need at least 250 for 24 inch depth. I have the same setup you do but a 18 inch depth and all the SPS are half way up in my tank

Myka · #3 06-24-2009, 06:43 PM

That would depend on what type of clams you want. Squamosa and Derasa would be ok with that light, but Crocea and Maxima would need more to thrive. You can also arrange your rocks to create a level area where clams can be placed further up.

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #4 06-24-2009, 07:33 PM

Most local reefers have their lower light requiring Derasas & Squamosa on the sand bed & their Maximas and Croceas up top on the rock structures anyways.

The only thing I would be wary of, more than the wattage, is the low PAR of Hamilton 14000k compared to some other bulbs. Iwasakis are expensive but apparently have very high PAR, comparable to 250w according to Sanjay's tests (lighting guru).

Anthony

fkshiu · #5 06-24-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaHorse_Fanatic

Most local reefers have their lower light requiring Derasas & Squamosa on the sand bed & their Maximas and Croceas up top on the rock structures anyways.

The only thing I would be wary of, more than the wattage, is the low PAR of Hamilton 14000k compared to some other bulbs. Iwasakis are expensive but apparently have very high PAR, comparable to 250w according to Sanjay's tests (lighting guru).

Anthony

Maximum PAR for 175W bulbs depends on the ballasts he's using, according to Dr. Joshi. If they're magnetic (likely) then the AB 13K bulbs eke out a bit more than the Iwasakis. But if he's got electronics then the Iwasakis win by a mile (comparatively).

Skimmin · #6 06-24-2009, 10:37 PM

I know a guy with a 28" deep tank that keeps a Maxima perfectly happy in the sand on the bottom of his tank with T5's, so personally I don't think you would have an issue. You may just want to place the clam strategically under the highest output of the light... but that's just my two cents.

whiteangelbw · #7 06-26-2009, 02:13 PM

Thanks for the help everyone.

Myka · #8 06-26-2009, 03:43 PM

I think all the Coralife fixtures use electronic ballasts?? Either way, the Hamilton bulb should be fine for Squamosa or Derasa.

If you want Maxima or Crocea, then upgrading to the Iwasaki bulb (one of my all time favourite bulbs) would be a good choice, and cost effective since you wouldn't have to replace the whole fixture.