PDA

View Full Version : Do my lights limit me at all?

lat0403
10/31/2007, 09:15 AM
I have a 48" Nova Extreme 4x54w T-5 light on a 33 gallon long tank. The light is a little over a foot from the bottom of the sandbed. There are places where the rock is only about 4 inches from the light. It averages out at about 6 1/2 watts per gallon, but I know that doesn't mean much especially with the depth of this tank. Am I pretty much open to keeping anything I want or do I have too little/too much light for anything?


Leslie
masonicman
10/31/2007, 09:33 AM
It depends on which type of coral you want to keep. In my experience, some corals don't like a lot of light and some do. You just have to do your research before you purchase. Trust me I have waste aa lot of money.
lat0403
10/31/2007, 10:05 AM
I understand all of that. I'm mostly looking for a guideline to go by. I'd rather not resort to trial and error. It's not only about the money. I'd like to avoid taking a perfectly healthy coral and putting it into an environment that it can't flourish or even just survive in.

I know no one can tell me for certain, but I figured someone could give me a rough guideline. Enough light for high light SPS? Too much for a Yuma?
Mark75
10/31/2007, 10:13 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11089136#post11089136 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lat0403
I have a 48" Nova Extreme 4x54w T-5 light on a 33 gallon long tank. The light is a little over a foot from the bottom of the sandbed. There are places where the rock is only about 4 inches from the light. It averages out at about 6 1/2 watts per gallon, but I know that doesn't mean much especially with the depth of this tank. Am I pretty much open to keeping anything I want or do I have too little/too much light for anything?


Leslie

No! You can keep anything you want under that fixture. I think the individual reflectors are more important on deeper tanks. I have a 4-39watt Nova Extreme over a 30 gallon long and I am having trouble with bleaching sps. I did change the factory bulbs out for ones with higher par. :)
GSMguy
10/31/2007, 10:32 AM
The light you have is fine
DarG
10/31/2007, 10:45 AM
Agreed, that light on a 33 long is fine.
lat0403
10/31/2007, 04:21 PM
Thank you all!

I'm using the factory bulbs now, but I'm going to change them pretty soon.
Mark75
10/31/2007, 05:14 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11091852#post11091852 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lat0403
Thank you all!

I'm using the factory bulbs now, but I'm going to change them pretty soon.

Yes, I recommend changing the bulbs. You will really like your fixture after you do that. ;)