Lighting Question

[Braves Fan]

I will be having a new larger tank built this coming year and I would like to use the 250w MH (three) that I have in my current tank, in my new tank. How deep (top to bottom) can I have my new tank made and still use these lights. The new tank will be SPS heavy with corals at the top and mid ranges with zoas towards the bottom of the live rock and some chalices and other corals towards the bottom or on the bottom of the tank.

 

[Reeferdood]

I have 3 250 MH and 2 185 VHO actinics that sit 14 inches off the top of my tank. My tank is 24 deep & I have no issues with coral growth at any depth.. Before I upgraded my lighting, I used to have 175W MH instead and even with that I had no issues...

 

[Braves Fan]

Thanks for your reply, 24 was what I wanted maybe 27.

 

[litenyaup]

i have the outer orbit fixture.....2 150 watt MH and 2 130 watt PC actinics. i have a 90 gallon tank, and have great growth and perfect coloration. i use XM 15k MH bulbs.

 

[tekken]

I guess it also depends on the reflectors that you are going to use. I had decent growth when using spider reflectors, but am now switching to the parabolic pendant's.. .and it's a huge difference in the light that reaches the bottom of the tank

 

[revhtree]

I am using (3) 250w Radiums with Lumen Max Elite reflectors on a 24" deep tank. My lights are about 8-10" of the water!

That will bleach corals though if your not careful. Most of my sps eat it up though.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

With good reflectors you should be able to go 30" with no problems.

 

[tekken]

With good reflectors you should be able to go 30" with no problems.

+1 on that. I had my older light setup about 10 inches above my tank... with the new pendants, I had to raise it to about 18 inches