Re: New Tank / Lighting

[reefman MC]

First of all metal halides are not necessary to grow corals. They're
great to have but with limited funds you basically can't have them. I'm
very happy with my 75 gallon. I have 520 watts of PC light on there,
and my corals are doing great. As long as you don't try to grow stuff
like gorgonia or acropora. You would be safe with VHO or PC, but you
need to get the rite amount of light no matter if it's VHO, PC, or MH.
The rite amount of light will be between 5 to 7 watts per gallon. You
could go higher. Friends of mine have grown corals under Zoo med
fluorescents.

Also, does this algae you have look slimey? If so it's not algae it's
cyano bacteria.


That should give you a little to think about. Oh and congrats on the
clowns.


--
reefman MC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
reefman MC's Profile: http://www.reef-chat.com/forum/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=7
View this thread: http://www.reef-chat.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=7733

[Miguel]

Thanx for the info but my understanding of what "PC" or "VHO" is, is the
shortcoming. I know "MH = Metal Halide" but not what the others represent.

You say 5 - 7 watts per gallon is sufficient. I have two 25W tubes which is
a mere 50W or ~0.9W per gallon. Am I calculating this incorrectly because
this seems crazy?
I don't have the space to fit enough tubes to take the lighting to at least
250W or more....

Looking for the idiots guide here I guess...

Miguel

[Miguel]

Doesn't look slimey.
What is cyano bacteria and how does it affect the aquarium?

Miguel

[Marc Levenson]

PC = Power Compacts or Compact Fluorescent lighting 55w/65w is common in 22"
lengths, 96w in longer bulbs.

VHO = Very High Output Fluorescent lighting. 110w for 4' long bulbs.

Your math is correct on wpg. Both of those lights mentioned above have special
ballasts to provide more intensity/wattage. My 29g has 165w of PC lighting,
with three bulbs. My 55g has 570w of lighting, with 2 MH and 2 VHO bulbs.

Marc


Miguel wrote:

> Thanx for the info but my understanding of what "PC" or "VHO" is, is the
> shortcoming. I know "MH = Metal Halide" but not what the others represent.
>
> You say 5 - 7 watts per gallon is sufficient. I have two 25W tubes which is
> a mere 50W or ~0.9W per gallon. Am I calculating this incorrectly because
> this seems crazy?
> I don't have the space to fit enough tubes to take the lighting to at least
> 250W or more....
>
> Looking for the idiots guide here I guess...
>
> Miguel

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[Marc Levenson]

Cyano is reddish film that is unsightly and can smother corals. You can view a
picture of it on my ID page, if you scroll way down:
http://www.melevsreef.com/id/

Marc


Miguel wrote:

> Doesn't look slimey.
> What is cyano bacteria and how does it affect the aquarium?
>
> Miguel

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[reefman MC]

Did you ever find out if it was cyano or not? Keep us informed.


--
reefman MC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
reefman MC's Profile: http://www.reef-chat.com/forum/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=7
View this thread: http://www.reef-chat.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=7733