[JAAYS32]

I am going to upgrade from a 55 FO to a 110H reef. My tank dimensions are L48xW18xH30 (appr.) which equals about 110 gallons. Now with a tank this deep, I figure I will need at least 400 watts to keep corals. The question is does that 400 include any actinics or should I have 400W PLUS a couple of actinics?

I was also wondering how to figure the amount of water displaced by LR. I know that a DSB will be deducted from the height of the tank but how do I calculate when it comes to the LR? And I do plan on having a DSB by the way.

Thanks for your input.

[golfish]

JAAYS32,
WELCOME TO REEFLAND

If you have not bought that tank yet, may I suggest a tank that is wider. A wider less tall tank makes a much better reef.

You will need the 400's for a 30" deep tank. Using Actinics is all up tp you and the kind of MH bulbs you use. If you planned to use 6.5K bulbs then you will need Actinics to supplement the ugly color they throw off (IMO, there ugly) Also, its a good idea to use actinics for the dawn\dusk effect. I don't use them in the morning because my tank sits in a sun lit room, I do use them to supplement my 400 watt Iwasaki and at night after all the MH's go off ( an hour or two)

Mark

[JAAYS32]

Hey thanks for the info. I realize that this tank is a little taller and a little narrower than most but I have had it for many years and I've grown quite attached to it. The only real problem I have ever had was to make sure to eliminate any dead spots and some well placed powerheads have always solved the problem. Besides, if you saw this tank sitting on a four foot high stand with its eyecatching viewing area, you would be amazed and would understand why I love it so much! I had it set up as a cichlid tank for quite a while and the response from my friends was incredible. I've already bought the materials to build a LR stand so its a little closer to filling up the tank. Once i get it at least some of the way set-up, I'll snap a few pics and you'll see what I mean. Besides it takes up less space then the 180G acrylic I have gathering dust in the basement that my ball-n-chain says is too big! Sheesh!.....no vision on her part!...lol Like we need a sofa in the living room! Thats what cushions on the floor are for. If its good enough for the Japanese then it's good enough for a couple of average Americans like us...lol