Quick Lighting Questions

[sacramonel]

I am upgrading to a 260 watt power compact for my 75 gallon. I'm a much bigger fan of Soft Corals and Mushrooms rather than SPS. Most of what I read about the corals I want require Medium to High Lighting. I understand that High Lighting typically means Halides, but would my compacts be sufficient as well.

 

[Chac]

I am upgrading to a 260 watt power compact for my 75 gallon. I'm a much bigger fan of Soft Corals and Mushrooms rather than SPS. Most of what I read about the corals I want require Medium to High Lighting. I understand that High Lighting typically means Halides, but would my compacts be sufficient as well.

That will be more than enought lighhting for softies IMO

Just remember to acclimitse you livestock to the new lighting by shortening the lighting period for the 1st 1 - 2 weeks

SPS - Not keen on twigs myself either

What are you upgrading from ?

How will you cool your tank ?

 

[SkiFletch]

I run PCs over my tank and keep softies and LPS with no trouble. SPS are tough even at the top of my tank though. Should be good for you

I agree with chac, how will you cool the water from the extra heat in the summer?

 

[sacramonel]

I am not a huge fan of the SPS's. They just look very, branch like.

I am upgrading from a 130 watt fixture that I was given at the outset. I did not think the wattage would be enough.

As for cooling the system - I will be using 4 plastic, food safe, containers that are used to keep coolers cold. I plop two in the sump every morning while the other two freeze overnight. As I live in New York City, this summer has been brutal in terms of temperature (105 at some points), and these plastic containers have done a great job keeping the heat down. I'm not sure how well they will be with the new lighting, but I will have to test it when the new fixture comes in.

 

[Chac]

I am not a huge fan of the SPS's. They just look very, branch like.

I am upgrading from a 130 watt fixture that I was given at the outset. I did not think the wattage would be enough.

As for cooling the system - I will be using 4 plastic, food safe, containers that are used to keep coolers cold. I plop two in the sump every morning while the other two freeze overnight. As I live in New York City, this summer has been brutal in terms of temperature (105 at some points), and these plastic containers have done a great job keeping the heat down. I'm not sure how well they will be with the new lighting, but I will have to test it when the new fixture comes in.

Will you have a hood

If so why not rig up some computer fans

 

[sacramonel]

I do not have a hood, and was actually thinking about using fans, but I wasn't sure how I would mount them to the tank.

 

[Chac]

You do get clip on ones that seem quite popular

Are you UK or US

UK - Try B & Q

US - I da ken - Wallmart maybe - they have everything else

 

[sacramonel]

I'm in the US, and unfortunately do not have a wall mart near me (they do not allow them in New York City). I will try obtaining them from other means.

Thank you for all the help, I do appreciate it.

 

[Chac]

Where is your Local Fish Shop, I had a look when I was in NY last year but couldnt find one

 

[sacramonel]

Its actually not too far from me. I live in queens and there are several.

 

[Chac]

Doh dam, I wanted to see just how great the corals (Rics & Zoa's) were over your side of the pond

Oh well next time