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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/24/2008 11:32:08 AM
Posts: 153,
Visits: 766
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| Hello Anthony. My tank will be 88"X54"X30"H inside dimensions (yes it keeps growing) and lit with 250 watt halides. You recommended 6500k at 250 watts per 50 gallons. That comes to about 10 light fixtures. I will be leaving at least six inches between rock and the sides of the tank perhaps more and the front 8" of the tank will not have fixtures above it due to the inwall design. I would like to keep the back of the tank a bit darker to give the illusion of depth. Could I use less fixtures if I place them over the areas where the light is needed most and keep the perimeter of the tank a bit more shaded or is it more beneficial to illuminate the whole tank evenly?
Thanks.
Amanda-
20+ years tropical fish experience, 6 years saltwater, 3 years reef
Current tanks: 47 gal extra tall reef, 30 gal anemone tank, prop system under construction
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Group: Moderators
Last Login: 11/19/2009 1:09:50 PM
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| again... we really have to address specifically (by species) what corals will be kept at waht depth before we can talk about lighting. But to generalize here... the rules are just basic guidelines. As the tank size ramps up (especially in depth where corals will not be growing), the wats gallon per rule lowers. Presuming you will neither be keeping the highest light demanding corals nor growing corals right up against the outside walls of the aquarium... this sized tank could easily fare well with just six 10k K halides spaced in two rows of three running the long side (equidistant spacing on the axis) top view of tank: *********************
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********************** Use very good parabolic reflectors and mount the lamps perpendicular to the long side of the tank... bulbs 12-15" off the water.
. Anthony Calfo
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/24/2008 11:32:08 AM
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| They will not be growing even close to the glass however some will require high light. I am planning to do an Indo-Pacific reef flat with Sarcophyton elegans, a toadstool type Sarcoplyton and a staghorn type Acropora growing closest to the surface. Would the Yellow Leather do okay with your lighting suggestion if placed in the middle of the tank half way up the water colum? I will be purchasing a light meter before placing any corals. Thank you.
Amanda-
20+ years tropical fish experience, 6 years saltwater, 3 years reef
Current tanks: 47 gal extra tall reef, 30 gal anemone tank, prop system under construction
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Group: Moderators
Last Login: 11/19/2009 1:09:50 PM
Posts: 4,172,
Visits: 2,691
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yes, my friend... Sarcophyton elegans would have no trouble hriving under these lights if kept in the top third of the surface and within a one foot radius under center of any lamp here. No worries 
.Anthony Calfo
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