Hello Aquariumadvice.com Users / First Question (Lighting)

[USsoldier]

Let me tell you about myself before I post my first question. I am an Army soldier that is currently deployed to Iraq. I have been interested in the saltwater reef hobby for some time, but you can see why I have not been able to start. It is a blessing of sorts. I have had the opportunity to do a decent amount of research. I have read 8 books on the subject and done much surfing. I have an understanding of the basics, but I have many questions. I will appreciate any input that you have on my questions. It is nice being part of the group. I look forward to many good discussions and conversations.

My first question is on lighting. I have read in many publications that the recommended amount of lighting for a reef tank is around 5 watts per gallon. I have recently read a book, the name escapes me at the moment, that had many successful tanks and their reviews. The average watts/gallon of these tanks were from 8 to 10. What is the correct wattage per gallon for a tank that will be used to grow SPS, LPS, and soft corals?

Thanks,
Bo

 

[reefrunner69]

WPG is not a very good way to determine lighting as it does not take tank depth and light penetration into account. 5WPG may be fine for a 12" tall tank, but woefully inadequate for a 24" tank. On my 20g reef I have between 13-15 WPG of MH and PC (too lazy to do the math right now) for an SPS reef tank. Alot will also depend on which animals your going to keep.

 

[USsoldier]

I am planning on purchasing a 60 x 24 x 24, 150 gal tank.

 

[Atari]

3x250w MH with PC or T5 actinics would be a good solution for that tank.

 

[reefrunner69]

3x250w MH with PC or T5 actinics would be a good solution for that tank

I agree, although if I went with 250W I'd go with double ended bulbs. Single ended bulbs...I'd go 400W.

 

[lando]

As kevin said, it really depends. I have a 72 gal. bow front tank with 260 watts of PC lighting. I am successfully keeping many soft corals, xenia, leathers, zoos, polyps, LPS, rose BTA. I do want more lighting in the future but all seems happy and healthy now. I did romove the glass top from my tank so I get better light penetration. MH upgrade is in the future though. WELCOME TO AA!! Thanks for your service over in Iraq, the world is a better place because of people like you. Stay safe...Lando

 

[spoonmerlin]

Here is something I came accross that I found interesting on the subject:

http://www.tidalgardens.com/pages/tutorials/light_meters.html