Lighting

[RichardScottRice]

Hi,

I've been admiring your site and the work you've been doing with coral propagation. After a lapse of a few years I'm setting up a new tank in my condo. I noticed on your site that you use BlueLine 400 watt 20,000K Radium lamps. Because of my limited space my tank will only be a 50 gallon. I'd like to keep some sps corals in it when it gets established. Is a 400 watt 20,000K MH too much for my 50 gallon tank (36" x 18" x 20")? Would appreciate any advice especially since I live in the Washington, DC area and will be getting my corals from you. Would like to minimize shock to them.

Thanks,

Ric

[heejaecha]

If you wanna keep SPS at 50 gal tank and best color.
I think you would better go with 2X400W (XM+Aquaray).
Maybe Dr Mac think same.
400W is never too much for 50 gal.

[Dr. Mac]

Hi,
The lamps I use at XM brand 20,000K metal halides run by Blueline electronic ballasts, plus VHO actinic fluorescents. The ballasts are available from Champion Lighting-see sponsor page on this site for a link to their site. I would recommend 2--250 watt XM 20,000K lamps plus a couple VHO actinics in a hood, check with Donny at Champion and their pricing for such a hood.
Thanks, Mac

[hoofa-boofa]

I just got a XM brand 20,000K 400w for a custom 65gl I built from Dr. Mac. I was a little worried about blasting my finney friends and the couple of corals I've been given. I called Dr. Mac and asked him about this. Basically he said 'get the lamp' so I did... My previous lamps were 2 175w 10,000k's with a couple of atnic's.

All I can say is ... wow the colors with the XM pop! I was amazed what I've been missing all this time. Thanks Dr. Mac! Also thanks for the nanos! They are really nice.