Is there a preferable MH bulb/ballast combo for SPS prop tank?

ScubaTC · #1 10/02/2007, 12:28 PM

I know everyone has their own preferences, but I am checking to see if there is a common bulb and / or ballast that continues to comes up high on the list for a SPS grow out tank.

Also, what is the recommended wattage for 12" tank depth and MH raised 'x' inches off the tank?

I was thinking the below may be true for SPS....plz correct me if I am wrong:

6500 temp = best growth, less color
10,000 temp = good growth, good color
14,000 temp = decent growth, great color
20,000 temp = slow growth, shows off best color (may be opinion based)

javajaws · #2 10/02/2007, 02:27 PM

I'm gonna try 150w 10k w/2 T5 actinics (in a 12" deep tank). I'll let you know how it goes in a couple months.

prsouthfl · #3 10/02/2007, 10:42 PM

i am also wanting to know as im in the works of a 60x48x24 sps and clams
im thinkin t-5 but im very happy with mh wh should i change?

LOVETHISHOBBY · #4 10/03/2007, 11:55 AM

This is just my two cents. I strictly wanted grow out in my 100 gallon, so I used (3) 150w 10K's. I've been having trouble distinguishing between the different colors of the corals. Colors seem to be more on the brownish side under 10K's. When I place the same piece of coral under 14K's, the color is more distinguishable. I really want to photograph my corals, so will probably switch over to 14K bulbs. Yea, the growth rate probably won't be quite as fast, but I will be able to see the colors better when photographing. I think this will be a nice compromise.

RobsReefs · #5 10/07/2007, 11:33 PM

im planning on XM 400 watt 10k on a electronic ballast

RobsReefs · #6 10/07/2007, 11:34 PM

im planning on XM 400 watt 10k on a electronic ballast w/2 T5 actinics

ScubaTC · #7 10/08/2007, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RobsReefs
im planning on XM 400 watt 10k on a electronic ballast w/2 T5 actinics

what's the depth of your prop tank and how high are you planning to keep the bulbs from the surface?

I'm running XM 400w 10Ks on my display tank and am switching to Reeflux to see if this improves growth and color.

RobsReefs · #8 10/10/2007, 06:07 PM

the depth is 16 " deep and about 18" off the water. Sps will be up 4'' on a egg crate shelf. and less light demanding corals will be under them it will be plumed to my display, for a total system volume of 200+ gal

MJAnderson · #9 10/10/2007, 09:17 PM

Curious why so high wattage and so high off the water? are you covering a wide area with a single bulb?