Light.....How much is too much?

[follow3]

Hey all,

I am still having an algae problem. It has got me wondering if I have too much light over my tank.

My tank is a 40 gal. breeder, so it is 36" long x 18" wide x 16" deep.

I have 4 twin bulb T-5 lights sitting right on top of the tank, with no glass.
I have the following bulbs: 4- 39 watt, 10,000K daylight
4- 21 watt, 460 actinic

That's a total of 240 watts of T-5 lighting. It is very bright. I keep a mix of 50% zoos and 50% SPS. I have egg crate racks and keep the zoos low and the SPS high.

What do y'all think. Good lighting setup, or too much?

Let me know what you think.

Steve

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I am using a 250w over my 37g. :)

 

[TyreeUM]

I have 250 over my growout system at school 8 inches above the water at the moment and the water is only 3.5 inches deep...

 

[surfn]

you cant really compare the same wattage b/w T5 and MH

i'm not very familiar with T5's...so i cant really comment.

 

[follow3]

How many hours per day do you all keep your lights on?

Steve

 

[vetteman]

what's in the tank?

 

[msman825]

this might give you a idea steve http://www.club-zoa.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3666

 

[twon8]

i would switch out the 10ks for blueplus bulbs.

 

[Chelsey]

Hey all,


I have 4 twin bulb T-5 lights sitting right on top of the tank, with no glass.
I have the following bulbs: 4- 39 watt, 10,000K daylight
4- 21 watt, 460 actinic

That's a total of 240 watts of T-5 lighting. It is very bright. I keep a mix of 50% zoos and 50% SPS. I have egg crate racks and keep the zoos low and the SPS high.

he is the deal what light is it? single reflector? is it the current usa light?