Is this enough lighting?

[LanT]

I have a 175w ushio on an e-ballast over a 29g tank. Do you guys think thats enough for SPS? Or do i need to supplement with actinics? I have a spare 55w pc ballast, but was going to use that for the fuge.

[Azurel]

Should be, the rough rule is a watt per gallon and your well over that.

[LanT]

Really, only a watt per gallon? I hear people say like 4-5 watts, but thanks for the reply.

[Azurel]

yea actully it's more like 2 watts is the base, but it depends on what your gonna have in the tank...I have a 40L with 440 VHO on top. Kinda over kill for most things except sps. I have softies and LPS in mine.

[Leviathan]

WPG really isnt a good way to make a lighting choice.

I could have a 5 gallon tank with 2-20 watt NO bulbs on it which would come to 8WPG, but I would NOT be able to keep a clam in this tank. ( Just an example )


To answer you question, on a 29 gallon tank your lighting should be fine. Personally I would run actinics as well.:)

[NSR250sp]

erm so if we are using PC (power compact) and tank is shallow ..
What is the best watts for a 3ft tanks with only mushrooms .. and softies ..

Thanks..

If u dont base on watt per gallon

[LanT]

I was thinking about PC actinics too, but alot of people say they are not true actinics and won't give the flourescent glow that VHO's have.

[Leviathan]

Originally posted by NSR250sp
erm so if we are using PC (power compact) and tank is shallow ..
What is the best watts for a 3ft tanks with only mushrooms .. and softies ..

Thanks..

If u dont base on watt per gallon


Personally I cant stand PC's JMO though. It really depends on how shallow you are talking. With only softies and shrooms if I had to use PC's I would probally get a dual 96 watt system, possibly a little more depending on depth. ( Plus I dont think I could go strictly softies )

Although others may argue this point, IME I find that VHO's give a better appearence in general, and better coraline growth. I will say I have seen some very nice PC only systems, but they just arent my first lighting choice.

[chet-tonja]

PC's also come apart pretty easy in my opinion after they have a little age on them. Go with URI Super Actinics and you will be happy...VHO that is. JMO

[Leviathan]

Originally posted by chet-tonja
PC's also come apart pretty easy in my opinion after they have a little age on them. Go with URI Super Actinics and you will be happy...VHO that is. JMO


I agree thats what I use and have been using for a while now. :)

[LanT]

Thanks guys, guess i gotta roll out the empty wallet again for some VHO's. I might have to cut my diet in half to save enough money for VHO's, I eat too much any way.:D

[Azurel]

I have Ice cap 660 Vho ballest with timer I hve to do nothing really the light come on the lights go out kind of nice...

[SurferDude771]

that should be enough, also this 96w system is pretty nice. I have one on my 25g reef tank with a 50/50 bulb and it looks really good. I have LPS,softies and a deresa with this amount.

http://hellolights.com/201xcoaqpcho.html

[johnfaas]

I also like the hello lights. I have 2 - 96watt 50 / 50 10000k/actinic hello lights and a 175 watt 10000 k MH on my 54 corner bow.I got the do it your self parts , I hooked the 2 - 96w to my icecap #430 ballast.

good luck !