Lighting for softies and LPS

GoinSalt · 04-20-2005, 05:02 PM

Well, I'm taking the plunge into a reef tank. I'm interested in keeping soft corals at first and then move into some LPS. I'm not planning on SPS or clams (although I say that now).

Anyway, I was wondering how much light in need in my 100 gal? I have a chance to pick up a four VHO fixture with ice cap ballasts for less than $200. The guy says the bulbs are 140W. Would this be enough for a 19.5" tall tank?

I want to stay away from MH because I just don't have the money.

Thanks for any input,
Nate

**charlie** · 04-20-2005, 05:07 PM

Sounds like you have the right idea about about goin slow at first. VHO's will support most soft corals. What bulbs are gonna be included. I would have at least 1 actinic in there, you'll be really happy with the way the corals look underneath just the actinics.

GoinSalt · 04-20-2005, 09:57 PM

I'm not real sure about which bulbs are included. I would assume at least one actinic. He said he's got six bulbs. Maybe he kept spares to rotate.

**charlie** · 04-20-2005, 10:29 PM

When you find out what you are gonna get, give us a holler and we'll go from there, OK!

vtec si · 04-20-2005, 11:34 PM

Well I have 8 140 watt VHOs on my 180gal powered by Ice Cap 660s. I have been keeping softies and LPS for 5 years now with GREAT growth. BUT, my SPS I have to keep up high in the tank for them to do well and they are. BUT BRING ON MH

I am changing to MH lighting soon!

Martin

04-20-2005, 05:02 PM	#1
GoinSalt Citizen Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NorCal Posts: 190	Lighting for softies and LPS Well, I'm taking the plunge into a reef tank. I'm interested in keeping soft corals at first and then move into some LPS. I'm not planning on SPS or clams (although I say that now). Anyway, I was wondering how much light in need in my 100 gal? I have a chance to pick up a four VHO fixture with ice cap ballasts for less than $200. The guy says the bulbs are 140W. Would this be enough for a 19.5" tall tank? I want to stay away from MH because I just don't have the money. Thanks for any input, Nate Last edited by GoinSalt; 04-20-2005 at 05:03 PM. Reason: Add more info

04-20-2005, 05:07 PM	#2
charlie Keeper of Willis Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 6,345	Sounds like you have the right idea about about goin slow at first. VHO's will support most soft corals. What bulbs are gonna be included. I would have at least 1 actinic in there, you'll be really happy with the way the corals look underneath just the actinics. __________________ 400 Gallon Reef Log Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

04-20-2005, 10:29 PM	#4
charlie Keeper of Willis Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 6,345	When you find out what you are gonna get, give us a holler and we'll go from there, OK! __________________ 400 Gallon Reef Log Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

04-20-2005, 11:34 PM	#5
vtec si Governor Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Denver co, USA Posts: 1,017	Well I have 8 140 watt VHOs on my 180gal powered by Ice Cap 660s. I have been keeping softies and LPS for 5 years now with GREAT growth. BUT, my SPS I have to keep up high in the tank for them to do well and they are. BUT BRING ON MH I am changing to MH lighting soon! Martin __________________ VTEC SI

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04-20-2005, 09:57 PM	#3
GoinSalt Citizen Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NorCal Posts: 190	I'm not real sure about which bulbs are included. I would assume at least one actinic. He said he's got six bulbs. Maybe he kept spares to rotate.

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