Lighting Possibilities

[sacramonel]

All,

I have just read about this aquarium.

http/reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/totm/index.php

From what I read he has about 296 watts of T8/5 lighting. He is able keep nice SPS coral with this.
I currently light my aquarium with 2 150 halides. I have a typical 75 gallon. My question are as such.

a. Is my lighting sufficient for SPS?
b. Is his 296 equal to my 300?

 

[SkiFletch]

In a typical 75g (which is 16-18" tall) yes your lighting would be sufficient. If he used individual reflectors and you also use individual reflectors, chances are your lighting is similar within say 10-20% of actual PAR output. His is likely a bit higher than yours. Had he been using 6 T5's (with individual reflectors) it would probably be significantly higher lighting than your own.

However, if you are using a magnetic ballast while he is using an electronic ballast (it's never really mentioned I don't think in that article) he will be using significantly less electrical energy than you...

Do remember that lighting IMO is the last and easiest concern with SPS. Chemistry (water quality), and flowrate are far more difficult issues to solve and more important

 

[sacramonel]

Yes I totally agree. I'm in process of reducing my phosphates. It's going to take a while, but I have time. I'm also in the planning process of setting up a external closed loop system. I don't want to drill, so I'm going to make it completely external. Hopefully, I'll have everything I need by the end of next week.

 

[SkiFletch]

If you do want a CL completely external, use BIG pipes on the inlet of the pump to prevent pressure-drop induced cavitation of the motor

 

[sacramonel]

So If it 3/4inch I should go with a 1 inch? Should I just use 1 inch all the way around, only going to the 3/4 when I'm connecting to the pump?

 

[SkiFletch]

Correct