Wattage

[MasterBlaster]

Is 4.17 wpg enough light for my reef? I think it is not enough for clams but is it enough for other corals?

[Mark024]

The wattage per gallon rule is dependant on a lot of things...namely the type of lights and the depth of the tank. If the three watts per gallon are normal output fluorescents, like the ones that come standard in an aquarium hood, most likely they will not support much of anything, maybe the lowest light corals like mushrooms or tubastratea (sp?). VHOs or PCs will give you a much wider variety of corals, including most of the softs. For LPS and SPS you will need more light- metal halides for the SPS and clams most likely. If your tank is extrordinarily deep you will need brighter lighting as well. Basically it would help if you gave some more information- including tank size and dimensions, intended invertebrate inhabitants (especially corals) and the kind of light you are talking about.

-Mark

[MasterBlaster]

I was talking about PCs over a 46 bowfront with various polyps, mushrooms, and stony corals. I don't even really know half the names of them - I just know I need more light than my 2 65watt PCs.

I want to stick with power compacts. I am building a hood and I was hoping to get by with two 96s instead of three. Three will be a tight fit, but if I need 6 plus wpg then I'll just have to make 'em fit.

Whaduhya think?

[tendar]

I was talking about PCs over a 46 bowfront with various polyps, mushrooms, and stony corals. I don't even really know half the names of them - I just know I need more light than my 2 65watt PCs.

I want to stick with power compacts. I am building a hood and I was hoping to get by with two 96s instead of three. Three will be a tight fit, but if I need 6 plus wpg then I'll just have to make 'em fit.

Whaduhya think?

2x96 pc would be good for what you have in corals and tank size.