[ryddo]

I was wondering if there is such a thing as having to much lighting in a reef tank.

Here is my situation. I was given a 75 gallon Tenecor aquarium (48"x18"x20"). Right now I have a 40 gallon reef with 36" light fixture including 1x250W HQI, 2X96W PC and moon lights. My question is this, I have a 48" PFO light strip that I am considering upgrading with parts that I have around the house. I have a Hamilton ballast for 2X400W SE setup, a 2X96W PC setup and a couple moon lights. Is this way to much lighting? I know I have heard more is better, but is this extreme lighting? Does anyne see anything wrong with this?

Thanks for the thoughts!

Ryan

[charlie]

I don't think it will be overkill, 2 250w would be fine tho. If you do put the 400w on there, be sure to watch for heat!!!!
Alot will depend on what corals you plan on having.

[ryddo]

I am interested in keeping a variety of SPS, LPS, clams and polyps.

I guess I have a question regarding types of Metal Halides. Is there a big difference between HQI and SE? Is there a need to spend the cash to purchase a new ballast to run the dual 250W HQI if I already have the ballast to run the dual 400W SE? If I were to run the dual 400W halides on a 75 gallon tank are there any tips that you can give as to height above the tank and photperiod to run after burn in period? Is there anything else that I forgot to think about?

Thanks,
Ryan

[charlie]

I would keep the 400w at least 11-13" above the tank. Are the bulbs new? If you don't have anything in the aquarium as of now, I would go ahead and run them 8 hours a day, it won't hurt anything. Are your PC's actinics? If they are, you could run them 2 hours before and 2 hours after to create a "dawn to dusk" effect. As I mentioned before, heat may be a concern, does the strip lite have any fans in it to dissipate the heat?

[ryddo]

I actually have the 40 gallon (which I plan to replace with 75 gallon) stocked with various polyps, mushrooms, rose anemone, superman montipora, pulsing xenia, galaxea and a maxima clam which I plan to move over to the new tank with all LR once the additional LR has cycled. I have not purchased the bulbs yet, so yes, the bulbs will be new! Question regarding the bulbs, what would you recommend purchasing? Is there really a difference in manufacturer? At present, I am running a single 250W 20K bulb. What color bulb would be the most effective in my tank? The 96W PC's will be true actinics. The lighting strip will have 2-4" fans. Question regarding the fans, would you have them both blowing air towards each other or have one blowing in and one pulling air out?

Thanks again,
Ryan

[charlie]

I am a big fan of the Reefflux 10k bulb.
On the fans, 1 in and 1 out. Good luck, show us some pics when you get it done.

[ryddo]

Will do! Thanks for all the information.