Too much light?

alexchew · #1 01/02/2008, 08:57 AM

ok some people think i've gone a little overboard with my set up...
i've got a 25 gal tank, 18 inch high with 500WATTS!!! of lighting

do u guys think that is alittle crazy?? i'm using 2x250watts with ushio 14k's but i am considering downgrading to just a single 250w mh...

should i?

trueblackpercula · #2 01/02/2008, 09:09 AM

as long as heat is not an issue and the photo period does not exceed 8 hours you should be ok.
there are many other experts that will chime in as i think the more light the better. Is this going to be an SPS dominate tank?

Michael

Logzor · #3 01/02/2008, 09:34 AM

It would be a waste of energy in my opinion. Just get a bigger tank and you will not only have more room but things will grow just as well.

reefkoi · #4 01/02/2008, 12:01 PM

I'm just as crazy as you i guess, I built a 10 gallon and had a 250 HQI pendant lying around so I used it.
It's been in operation for almost a year now and the corals do great, I have Micromussa that grow like a weed and ofcourse the clams and sps like it as well.
I've got great color on my florida ricordea as well.
The tank is filtered by my 600 gal. so heat is not an issue, otherwise if the tank was a stand alone I'd never get away with that kind of heat I don't think.

Heres a pic.

[IMG]

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trueblackpercula · #5 01/02/2008, 12:08 PM

That is the best looking set up I have seen in some time.
TOTM

for sure you got my vote
Michael

myzislow · #6 01/02/2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefkoi
I'm just as crazy as you i guess, I built a 10 gallon and had a 250 HQI pendant lying around so I used it.
It's been in operation for almost a year now and the corals do great, I have Micromussa that grow like a weed and ofcourse the clams and sps like it as well.
I've got great color on my florida ricordea as well.
The tank is filtered by my 600 gal. so heat is not an issue, otherwise if the tank was a stand alone I'd never get away with that kind of heat I don't think.

Heres a pic.

[IMG][/IMG]

wow that is a very nice set up! How were yo able to suspend the tank like that? It looks awesome.

Ty1e · #7 01/02/2008, 02:35 PM

i have a 250HQI 2feet over my 30gal sps tank, still not sure if it's at the right height.

old picture.

reefkoi · #8 01/02/2008, 02:42 PM

LOL it looks like crap right now, it's become my frag tank for the time being.
Its mounted on a 3/8" thick steel plate bolted to the wall studs.
Sorry to hijack the thread if you want to see more or have more questions you can go see the build thread if you want.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...light=600+sump

Chris

Ty1e · #9 01/02/2008, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by alexchew
ok some people think i've gone a little overboard with my set up...
i've got a 25 gal tank, 18 inch high with 500WATTS!!! of lighting

do u guys think that is alittle crazy?? i'm using 2x250watts with ushio 14k's but i am considering downgrading to just a single 250w mh...

should i?

A single 250 is fine. If your not upgrading to a bigger tank then what you have now, purely from a energy saveing stand point I would only use one of the lights.

Temps a factor too.

silvers · #10 01/02/2008, 03:45 PM

Most people thought I was crazy for putting a 250w on a 22g cube. I would go down to one bulb for power reasons if nothing else.

alexchew · #11 01/03/2008, 01:32 AM

thanks for the comments, i reckon i'm going to go down to one bulb.. to save on electricity and will just see how my corals do.. if there's no problems then i will keep it that way, but yeah they do grow real fast and evaporation is my main problem... i have to top up everyday.

i'l post a pic once i have redone my tank and its setup. thanks again

pscheel · #12 01/03/2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by myzislow
wow that is a very nice set up! How were yo able to suspend the tank like that? It looks awesome.

Also what's holding up the light. It must be magic. lol