Quick Lighting Question

Devilish

Devilish

AC Members
Jun 8, 2007
82
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0
Northeast NJ
I have a 40 gal high tank that is 24" deep. I am currently running a 400w 20000K MH. I am going to change over to a 10000K MH and 2 actinic VHO's. I was wondering if I should go with 2 55W or 2 96W actinic VHOs. Also, does this seem like over kill on the lighting? Also, the lights are mounted 13" above tank level. Thanks in advance.
 
Well, that much certainly isn't necessary to get good results, but there's no reason to get a different setup with what you have as it is. Just carefully acclimate everything when you switch to 10Ks, since the increase in PPFD will likely be quite large.
 
Wow, there is a thing as "too much" lighting. I am finding that out myself, with 400w of 10k MH on a 75G reef. There are many corals I can not keep due to too much light. My tank is 24" deep as well. My light is mounted 15" above tank, with 4 T5HOs for actinics.

I would seriously reconsider going to a 10k 400w on a 40G tank. That is going to be around DOUBLE the light output (PPFD) of the 20k you have on it now. I think the 20k is fine, but even that is pushing the limits of too much light on that size tank.
 
Yeah, I figured it would be a very large increase. You'll have to acclimate very carefully--it can be done, but it certainly won't be easy.
 
Thanks for the input, I actually just got done cycling the tank so there is no inhabitants in it now. I've been playing with a few things and trying to iron out all the wrinkles before I start stocking. Was just worried about the 20k hindering the growth of any corals I may add. Figured the 10k would allow for the proper lighting for growth and the actinics would provide the bluer tone for better viewing, personal opinion.
 
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