Ideal light settings for sps

jedrod56 · Oct 3, 2016

Hi everyone need your help with regards to my light settings. I have a 150 high with over 150 pounds of live rock lots of sps at top, as well *** all other types of corals. Water parameters are good. I am using AI Hydra 52 non HD lights. I currently have 2 for *** 4 foot wide tank. My current light settings are white 10 Red 2 Green 5 Blues both at 100 Uv at 75 Violet at 60 My question is if that is enough white for sps and if not what would be best and how do I ramp it up without frying them. Appreciate all your help

mcarroll · Oct 3, 2016

Use a light meter of some kind and just maintain a similar light reading across changes. That'll keep you in the right neighborhood. Adjust colors to taste...just keep the non-marine colors to their absolute minimum. (Greens, reds...others?)

If you don't have one, start with a free lux meter app for your smartphone. There are many. For future use, consider ordering a $15 handheld lux meter – better readings and safer around saltwater than your phone! :)

mcarroll · Oct 3, 2016

And anything between 30,000 lux and 60,000 lux should be fine....many times even lower light down around 10,000 lux and under is just fine.

jedrod56 · Oct 3, 2016

mcarroll said:
Use a light meter of some kind and just maintain a similar light reading across changes. That'll keep you in the right neighborhood. Adjust colors to taste...just keep the non-marine colors to their absolute minimum. (Greens, reds...others?)

If you don't have one, start with a free lux meter app for your smartphone. There are many. For future use, consider ordering a $15 handheld lux meter – better readings and safer around saltwater than your phone! :)

Thank you. Is 10 percent enough or should I increase for SPS?

jedrod56 · Oct 3, 2016

Thank you

mcarroll · Oct 3, 2016

Corals are very un-picky about light – very adaptable....so if they seem happy right now with whatever light you have over them....they are happy. :) Don't change their light now "just because". :)