Is it too much for SPS dominated tank?

zweebe · Jan 20, 2018

Hi guys,

So here I am, I just wondering if 14x54w + Blue 450-470nm LED Bar 36w are too much for a SPS dominated Tank 47"x 31" x 21" ?

Just questionning about this aspect because I've just launh the tank and some corals are really clear, PE is not really good and I think I burn them up...

Parameters:

Kh: 8,5
CA: 460
Mg: 1290
Po4: 0.00 (Undetectable)
No3; 0.00 (Undetectable
K+: 400

The lights start at 8:00 am with both LED Bar from each side of the tank, then the T5 bulbs light on at 9:00am until 20:00pm.

Thanks !

jsker · Jan 23, 2018

Might be a little much. Also you will need phosphates and nitrates for the coral heath and growth.

jda · Jan 23, 2018

I would cut the photoperiod. I think that 14 bulbs over 31 inches is not out of whack... people use ten over 24, so that is roughly in line.

8-9 hours is enough, IMO.

zweebe · Jan 25, 2018

Ok guys, I've cut the photoperiod to 8 hours at 100% and reduce the bulbs number to 10 !

About No3 et Po4, I'm trying to raise them but I can't (ok this is pretty special as everyone try to cut down them.. lol)

How would you up this two parameters?

nashorn · Jan 25, 2018

I don't know if you can control each lamp but I usually have peak at only 4-6 hrs
But some lights over 12 hr period ramping up and down
Just my 2 cents

zweebe · Jan 25, 2018

I can control yes :-) I will reduce a little more

pickupman66 · Jan 25, 2018

It is hard to 100% say it is too much without true Par readings at the corals them selves. Many can adjust to higher intensities over time. I think that color is a HUGE indicator not just the PE of a coral. PE does go to coral health but is also part of their filter feeding response.

all that said, I do think you can over do a photo period. 4-6 hours of full intensity seems to be a sweet spot in most systems.