Reef Lighting Question

[j.heiser]

Hi I started a 90 gallon saltwater reef tank 2 months ago. I am still gradually adding live rock and a few small things here and there. I recently purchased an Icecap 660-009 ballast with a 3 vho light fixture system. Currently the bulbs are 2 65 watt daylights and 1 65 watt true actinic. I also have my old compact flourescent system that runs two bulbs at a total of 80 watts. I was wondering if this system will produce enough light?

 

[ryshark]

You should be ok, with low light corals only.

 

[j.heiser]

Would upgrading the bulbs to 110 watt vho's be a better idea?

 

[ryshark]

Yes, I think having all 3 of your VHO bulbs at 110 would be much better. Then you can attempt to try more LPS and it should give you more options with corals you can keep.

 

[j.heiser]

Thanks a lot, I am going to upgrade them to 110 watts and probably install one more fixture. The ballast can push 440 total watts.

 

[ryshark]

That is what I have is the VHO with 4 x 110 watt bulbs and a 39watt T5H0 on my 75-gallon tank. I have been able to keep even some SPS corals like montipora capricornis etc. I think it is a good idea for you to get that 4th 110watt bulb to achieve your ballast maximum of 440.

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General hardware and equipment discussion.