Watts per Gallon Question

[jri4]

Just out of pure curiosity, what type of coral and "reef" organisms could be grown with around 4-5 watts of light per gallon?

As you can probably tell by this idiotic question, I am by no means a saltwater guy!:headshake2: I figured I'd ask those who know best... the Experts!

Thanks everyone!

[Beowulff83]

im new to salt water too but i do know that the watts per gal will tell you nothing for reef keeping. different bulbs put out watts differently. IE a 60w incandesent is = to a 15w cfl. Also you have to consider the color spectrum. Normaly with reef you need 10000k. There is a ton more too it but thats all im comfortable saying right now since i am still researching the subject.

[jri4]

Cool, I understand that Actinic Blue light is good as well as 10,000K Super Daylight bulbs. But when it comes down to it, for example, is 280 watts in a 75 gallon tank (approx. 4 watts per gallon) enough lighting for (I think they are called) hard corals and clams and such?

[Amphiprion]

Cool, I understand that Actinic Blue light is good as well as 10,000K Super Daylight bulbs. But when it comes down to it, for example, is 280 watts in a 75 gallon tank (approx. 4 watts per gallon) enough lighting for (I think they are called) hard corals and clams and such?

Again, it depends upon the type of lighting you are using. If that wattage is composed of T-5 fluorescents and/or metal halide lighting, then the answer would be "yes." If it is composed of anything else, then no (at least 'no' on the clams--will depend upon the types of corals, however).

[jri4]

I'm looking at either: Compact Flourescent or T-5 rated at whatever it takes to get get around 4 watts per gallon.

[Amphiprion]

Heh, stop concentrating on watts per gallon :silly:. It is nearly meaningless. Focus on the overall amount of usable light for the inhabitants. The best measure for this is PAR (or photosynthetically active radiation), which measures the amount of light within the proper wavelengths. In this respect, the T-5s are immensely brighter than compacts Watt for watt, they emit much more light. There really isn't even a comparison between the two...

[Slappy*McFish]

Good reflectors go a long way, as well.

[archer772]

I agree with you Amphiprion but they really do need individual reflectors and a good quality bulb to get the best bang for the buck. T-5's generate much less heat and last almost twice as long as PC's. If you were to put 6 quality T-5 bulbs with individual reflectors over you 75 you should be able to keep anything you might want, even clams all the way down to the sand bed and nems.

[Amphiprion]

Certainly. When I refer to T5s, individual reflectors are a given for me, so I sometimes forget to include them. I don't think of T5s without individual reflectors.

[archer772]

Certainly. When I refer to T5s, individual reflectors are a given for me, so I sometimes forget to include them. I don't think of T5s without individual reflectors.

Well I thought you included the reflectors but a lot of newbies just look at T-5s without looking for individual reflectors. Didnt mean to step on your toes on that one LOL

[Amphiprion]

Huh? You didn't do anything wrong. It was my fault for making the assumption in case newer hobbyists automatically know to seek out the individual reflectors.