[Garrett]

Hello all,

Would it be possible to be able to have a mixed reef including clams and some SPS in a tank that is 95 gal 36 x 24 x 24. Using a ATI Powermodule 6 bulb 39watt light fixture? Planning a tank a year in advance and just seeing what my options are....

Thanks in advance

[Poseidon]

Yup! I think that would work great, just make sensible bulbs choices.

[Garrett]

Wow! fast responses around here. Thats good i'm glad that will work. I like the look of your tank, but i think i would prefer a bluer look. Your bulbs i believe from front to back are:

True Actinic
True Actinic
ATI Pro Color
Aquablue +
Actinic Plus

Would i add another aquablue +? Also i have read on other forums that they pro color has caused them hair algae problems. Have you encountered those problems at all?

Thanks

[Poseidon]

If you replaced the Pro Color with an Aquablue + it would definitely be "cooler" in color temp. As for the hair algae, I would not say I have had an outbreak, but I did have an increase. I am willing to wait it out a while and see what happens, I removed a good sized patch by hand last week. I did also go and reduce my Macro in my sump, I am thinking that I can increase the growth rate of the Chaeato to reduce the growth rate of the HA.

If I notice any further trouble I may replace that pro color with the GE, or a geismann mid day bulb. I have also thought of going to a second Aquablue +.

This is exactly why I like T5's though, you can change the entire look of your tank with ONE bulb, and that bulb is usually only $25 or so.

[Garrett]

Excellent

Thanks for the advice it's greatly appreciated

[Poseidon]

No problem!

[charlie]

Thanx Mr. T5.

[Garrett]

He is the all knowing T5 guy isn't he....

Charlie...would you be Mr. Metal Halide guy then ha ha

[charlie]

Uh.............. no, I am just the guy they put here to moderate you folks.

[Poseidon]

Originally Posted by charlie

Thanx Mr. T5.

Well I actually had 15 seconds or so to look at my tank last night, and the HA is coming back in faster then I would like. I have not had an issue with HA in a LONG time, heck back when I had my 135 was the last time I have seen it, so... it must have something to do with that Pro Color bulb. I'll take it out, and pop the GE back in tonight when I get home.

There is another bulb that is similar to the Pro Color, I'll have to do some research and I'll post back here....

[charlie]

Originally Posted by Poseidon

Well I actually had 15 seconds or so to look at my tank last night, and the HA is coming back in faster then I would like. I have not had an issue with HA in a LONG time, heck back when I had my 135 was the last time I have seen it, so... it must have something to do with that Pro Color bulb. I'll take it out, and pop the GE back in tonight when I get home.

There is another bulb that is similar to the Pro Color, I'll have to do some research and I'll post back here....

Don't tell me that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just bought 3 retro fit T5 fixtures for the front of my 300. How long have you had those bulbs on there? Is it possible it is time to change them?

[Garrett]

When i read it. I belive it was Grim that said the thought it might have something to do with the "Red" spectrum or something in the bulb. He was going to pull his out. Can't seem to find it exactly though that T5 Thread on RC is crazy

[charlie]

Well, luckily I don't have any of those bulbs. I will just have to wait and see when I get them set up and working.

[Poseidon]

The bulb is only 3 months old or so, so it better not be bulb life. The amount that I have in HA is really not that big, maybe 3 sq inches total area and it is growing in a very local area, not all over the place. I'll take the bulb out for a month or so and see what happens, if it goes away then I know it was the bulb, if not... well I try something else.

I think that grim is on the right track though, as red light is import in photosynthesis.

[charlie]

I guess my question would be is why do they even sell that bulb for reef tanks?

[Poseidon]

The spectrum makes anything with RED in it really POP! You know how the GREEN glows under actinic right, well this bulb makes the REDs pop almost that bright. My Acans and Favia's really lit up under this bulb, but if it means I'll have to deal with HA, then it is gone....

I do like the color that I have with that spectrum though, I think I will miss it.

[ret25yo]

I only have one pro color in my 16 bulbs and no HA so it's gotta be the bulb

[Garrett]

Another question, my other option on a tank would be a 30 x 30 x 24 100gal. tank. Would i have to make it 8 bulbs then to get enough coverage? (I would think so, but i don't know for certian)

Also if anyone knows of a place to find some good articles on this stuff i would be more than thankful to get a link...

Probably so would Poseidon...

[charlie]

Would you do a 24", 8 bulb configuration?

There are a couple of stickys at the top of the lighting forum , have you checked those?

It seems alot of the info is being passed just like we are talking here.

[Garrett]

Yeah, that is what i referred to as a 24" 8 bulb ATI Powermodule...

My worry is that i will leave the outer edge dark being only 24" accross. What width does a Metal Halide cover? I'd like to avoid a chiller, but i want what is best for my inhabitants.

I have read some of those, but not all. Looks like I know what i'm doing for my lunch break This is a year or so in advance so it's not like i have to make a decision today ya know just research at this point.

Thanks