How much light is to much light?

[Reeffantic]

Just what is an adequate amount of light for my 4' SPS tank? I was thinking 2-250 watt 10K's and 1-400 watt 20K in the center but, is 900 watts a bit much or should I scale it back a bit in order not to fry my precious little corals?

[dattack]

If you acclimate your corals, then there is never too much light. Sounds like a great combo you have there.

[MtnDewMan]

Well there is such a thing as too much light for certain types of coral. Even in the SPS world there are very high demanding light corals and low demanding light corals. If you put a lower demanding light coral at the top, even if well acclimated, it could easily lose it's beauty to duller colors.

[Reefland]

I'm running just the dual 250w and have some concerns and problems. Even after acclimating the corals, I have one found one frag that does well near the surface.

The 250w would be just fine and the added 400w will rock; just make sure you are slow with acclimation and pick placement carefully.

[SPSPhreak]

Too much light?!! There is no such thing is there;) Really though, I think you will be fine with the combination you are thinking about. I used to have 2 250 watt sakis and 2 400 watt radiums on my 75, and the corals loved it, with slow acclimation.

Scott

[SPSPhreak]

Too much light?!! There is no such thing is there;) Really though, I think you will be fine with the combination you are thinking about. I used to have 2 250 watt sakis and 2 400 watt radiums on my 75, and the corals loved it, with slow acclimation.

Scott

[kevinpo]

You don't say how deep the tank is. This is another critical factor in determining the wattage you need.

Regards,
Kevin

[PerryinCA]

I got the same thing here on my test-bed SPS tank at the office. Lighting changes often when new lamps or ballasts are sent to us, but I'd say 80 percent of the time, you'll find a pair of RO3 PLUS 250w pendants, and a 400w Radium retrofit in there, along with a couple actinic 3 footers. Color and growth is great all the way down to the sandbed (24"). If only I could keep the frags we have in there mounted and not falling.....

I say that if you can battle the heat, go for it!

-Perry

[kevinpo]

Hey Perry,
I tried to send you a PM but your mailbox is full! Get on those emails

Regards,
Kevin

[PerryinCA]

Wow...didn't know that... Thanks for the heads up. Clearing it now!

-Perry