Help! Can I use just PC's?

Tazman · 10-10-2001, 05:34 PM

I'm in need of advice.

My tank is 60" long x 26" tall x 18" wide. My tank is "built-in" to a wall, but my fish room is under the stairs and therefore is quite small. Even though I have a fan ciculating air, heat could be a major problem if I were to use ML lights.

Question is: Can I use PC lighting for my entire tank, and how many watts or lumens do I need? Some reef club members have said it's possible

My tank is 2 months old and stable. I have fish but I'm waiting for a couple of more months before introducing corals. I plan on keep of variety of both soft and hard, but will select what will work under the lighting that I configure.

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Ltspd · 10-10-2001, 06:28 PM

With a 26" tall tank you will limit yourself to the type of corals you will be able to keep.

PC's generate heat also, probally watt for watt as much as a MH.

I would try and use mh's and come up with a fan or venting idea. Post some more about your setup or better yet a picture and maybe we can help suggest something.

tendar · 10-10-2001, 06:50 PM

I would have to agree with Ltspd. I have been using pc's and halides and the pc's will heat up the water as much as halides with watt to watt. Plus with the deeper tank the pc's would not penatrate enogh for sps corals and clams.
I would go with 2x250 with the sps corlas towards the top of the tank to get all the light they need with lps and softies towards the bottom.
Either way you will have a heating problem the room is not ventalated.
You will probably need a chiller.

organicreefer · 10-14-2001, 06:47 PM

i would disagree on them watt for watt generating the same amount of heat.since everything ,including ballasts would be enclosed in a small area,you will have more problems with halides.my csl pc ballast barely gets warm to the touch, i usually cant tell if my icecap is on, and all my hid ballasts(magnetic)get MUCH hotter.
i would also consider a a way to vent the room ,regardless of how you light.
pc's will work,you will just be a little more limited in youre coral selection .good luck.

10-10-2001, 05:34 PM	#1
Tazman Just Moved In Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: St. Louis Posts: 12	Help! Can I use just PC's? I'm in need of advice. My tank is 60" long x 26" tall x 18" wide. My tank is "built-in" to a wall, but my fish room is under the stairs and therefore is quite small. Even though I have a fan ciculating air, heat could be a major problem if I were to use ML lights. Question is: Can I use PC lighting for my entire tank, and how many watts or lumens do I need? Some reef club members have said it's possible My tank is 2 months old and stable. I have fish but I'm waiting for a couple of more months before introducing corals. I plan on keep of variety of both soft and hard, but will select what will work under the lighting that I configure. Thanks in advance for your help!!! __________________ Tazman

10-10-2001, 06:28 PM	#2
Ltspd Governor Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Arden, NC USA Posts: 2,767	With a 26" tall tank you will limit yourself to the type of corals you will be able to keep. PC's generate heat also, probally watt for watt as much as a MH. I would try and use mh's and come up with a fan or venting idea. Post some more about your setup or better yet a picture and maybe we can help suggest something. __________________ Paul C Timing has an awful lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

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10-10-2001, 06:50 PM	#3
tendar Governor Join Date: May 2000 Location: tempe,AZ Posts: 1,114	I would have to agree with Ltspd. I have been using pc's and halides and the pc's will heat up the water as much as halides with watt to watt. Plus with the deeper tank the pc's would not penatrate enogh for sps corals and clams. I would go with 2x250 with the sps corlas towards the top of the tank to get all the light they need with lps and softies towards the bottom. Either way you will have a heating problem the room is not ventalated. You will probably need a chiller.

10-14-2001, 06:47 PM	#4
organicreefer Governor Join Date: May 2001 Location: Northern CA Posts: 2,171	i would disagree on them watt for watt generating the same amount of heat.since everything ,including ballasts would be enclosed in a small area,you will have more problems with halides.my csl pc ballast barely gets warm to the touch, i usually cant tell if my icecap is on, and all my hid ballasts(magnetic)get MUCH hotter. i would also consider a a way to vent the room ,regardless of how you light. pc's will work,you will just be a little more limited in youre coral selection .good luck.

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