I say if you re looking at MH at least 250w if you want to keep lots of corals

This really does depend on what you intend to keep. If you want exclusively SPS and clams, 400w is likely the best. If you want to mix things up, maybe 250w and then keep the higher light demanding critters near the top. The thing with 400w is that they will be enough for whatever you want to keep, and if you need to , you can raise them higher to reduce the light hitting the bottom of the tank. Cost-wise, 250w and 400w are roughly the same.

250 watt MH all around, personaly I think 400's are a waist of 150 watts on a 24" tank. once you get to 30" tall then maybe I would sugest 400 watt bulbs over 250's but then again I would just use 250 HQI on a 30" deep tank also.

Steve

Kinda like when you thought MH were a waste of time? :razz:

I agree that the 250w HQI would be great, but the price more than doubles for that .

ya but not a waist of time.. just money.. hehe but I did waist a lot of money getting them :mrgreen:

Steve

What 400w will give over the 250 is a wider range of depth in which to place corals. While some people have 250w and successfully keep sps (with coloration), it is often within the top 6" of the tank. 400w will allow you to utilize more of your depth. The trade off is probably more heat, but with every pro there is a con. 250w HQI will give a comparable, if not better, range (for a lot moe money).

Again, just an example of the different opinions you'll get on lighting.

What about a RO/DI unit?Edmonton water isn't the best(I'm sorry I didn't buy one when I first set up).Where in Edmonton are you located?

Jim

Go
 

I am in St Albert actually. We have a separate water treatment plant here, not sure if that is good or bad. Is a RO unit vital to me? Is there another way?

I would have a few corals, not sure what ones yet. My wife loves those bright clams as well. other than that, some clowns, tangs, clean up crew.

That is until we see all the other possibilities! :mrgreen:

I guess 400w MH??

Can you give too much light?
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Futurama advice

What you need basically is:
liverock (a must)

Next step:
skimmer or refugium or both (quite neccessary)

For less algae problems:
RO or RODI (not super neccesary but really helps a lot)

If you have all those 3 things plus maybe some snails, then your tank will probably be algae proof. (unless you're overstock or overfeeding)

I would either get a 400 watter if you have space or a 250w hqi if you are low on space. Personally I think there's no such thing as too much light. It's all about accimating the corals to the light. Even if some corals don't like the light, you can always put them in the shade. It's better to get the best now then having to spend even more money to upgrade later.

Go
 

So a refugium will perform a similar task as the skimmer?
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