Lighting for sps corals
 

Would just like to get a few opinions on what lighting to use on a 90g tank, 48" long x 24" high x 18" wide, which will be housing sps corals and clams. Also, what type of ballasts are advised, electronic or not, and why? Thanks.

Lighting for sps corals
 

Deep sandbed or not fishnut? This will ultimately determine the depth of the lowest part of your tank.

If you are going to use a DSB, then I would say a dual 250W MH setup would be your best choice. Iwasaki 6500K lamps, with some VHO or PC or even NO Actinic supplementation has a pleasing appearance, great growth results and is the most inexpensive of the HID lighting choices.

If you are not going to utilize a DSB, then a 24" deep tank would likely require 400W lamps to effectively light bottom dwelling corals or clams. This choice then slightly increases the cost of the ballasts and lamps, as well as creates increased heat and evaporation considerations, not to mention electricity costs.

Lighting for sps corals
 

personally, if i have the resources available, i would go for a dual 250W HQI 10,000k set up.

i run dual 400W MH 6500k on my system...and although i dont mind the "natural" color of the tank, i think i will be adding some vho actinics to my set up sometime down the road.

i would try 10,000k 400W MH, but i cant justify replacing those bulbs every year.

JMO

Lighting for sps corals
 

or for the cheap-minded like me, a single diy 400W would work ok.
shane.

Lighting for sps corals
 

Thanks to all who replied from fishnut.

Lighting for sps corals
 

email me if you want Iwasaki and Ballast or other I could supply them very sheap

zapdesign@sympatico.ca

Lighting for sps corals
 

Hi,

Exclusively SPS and clams ?

Sorry, but I think MH is the only choice for you. I have been able (sort of) to keep SPS in fluorescents -- they grow pretty slow and they don't colour up as nice as other tanks.

Best choice is the dual Iwasaki 250W with either a MV or MH ballast -- you can visit local refers to see the difference between the two ballast. It is a matter of preferance.

- Victor.