[reefer_420]

I just recently purchased a Current outer orbit lighting system for my 72 gallon Bowfront. It has two 150 watt metal Hailide lights, as well as 2 actinic bulbs. Myquestion is how high should that be raised off the tank without overheating the water itself? And is it enuf to grow hard corals and clams? How long should the metal hailides be on during the day to create a dawn to dusk effect?

[charlie]

Originally Posted by reefer_420

I just recently purchased a Current outer orbit lighting system for my 72 gallon Bowfront. It has two 150 watt metal Hailide lights, as well as 2 actinic bulbs. Myquestion is how high should that be raised off the tank without overheating the water itself? And is it enuf to grow hard corals and clams? How long should the metal hailides be on during the day to create a dawn to dusk effect?

I would keep it at least 8" off the water surface, but that is only my opinion. Probably a good enuf light to keep some LPS, and maybe some of the hardier sps like the montipora digitata and such. For acros, I don't know if this is gonna cut it, unless you place them fairly high in the tank. I wouldn't try clams unless you get something with a little higher intensity. How long has your system been set up?
As far as times go, I would start the actinics an hour or so before the halides come on, and an hour or so after they go off. I usually run my halides 8 hours. HTH

[reefer_420]

Its been setup for two years now, but I moved it about 6 months ago to a different house, I kept most of the water, And topped off with new. What are some nice corals to grow easily.

[charlie]

If you are looking at sps corals, I would look for some Montipora Digitata, as I mentioned before. Also, some Montipora capricornis, can be done under that light, maybe just a little higher in the tank. If you are looking at softies, the sky is the limit.