Lighting Question

[schwimmair]

I have a 30" deep corner tank, and currently have 6 100W VHO and 1 400W MH. I am looking to lower my power bill and lower my water temperature. Do you think a 250W MH will be powerful enough for a 30" deep tank? I am going to setup the tank as a FOWLR and have a few easy corals.

Thanks,

Adam

 

[smoothie]

Yes especially for a fowlr. Could and should consider going all vho or t5 for this setup.

 

[oldschool52]

IMO, T5s are the way to go. If you have at least 1 or 2 Actinics that wavelength will get to the bottom of the tank better. We use all HO T5s on our 72g Bow. (2-10k and Actinics 54W each) Corals grow well and some don't like the light they are getting if not on the bottom. Two much for some half way up so we moved them down. The only thing you might miss is the so-called shimmer. If you really want the shimmer use a strip of white LEDs. Pretty much the same effect without the heat or power consumption. The T5s also give you more evenly dispersed light across your tank. Those that use the halides is their own preference and that's great. If you want really intense light that is still the best way to go but I prefer T5s and like that look.

 

[harleyguy]

oldschool52;352184 wrote: IMO, T5s are the way to go. If you have at least 1 or 2 Actinics that wavelength will get to the bottom of the tank better. We use all HO T5s on our 72g Bow. (2-10k and Actinics 54W each) Corals grow well and some don't like the light they are getting if not on the bottom. Two much for some half way up so we moved them down. The only thing you might miss is the so-called shimmer. If you really want the shimmer use a strip of white LEDs. Pretty much the same effect without the heat or power consumption. The T5s also give you more evenly dispersed light across your tank. Those that use the halides is their own preference and that's great. If you want really intense light that is still the best way to go but I prefer T5s and like that look.

A big +1