30 gallon L

[reefer718]

What do you guys think about 2x 70 watt metal halide HQI for a 30 long ( 36") for LPS and about 2 or 3 SPS??

[MeuserReef]

I have a 30L with (2) 150W Double Ended MH's and I love it (and so do my LPS!) I have the Phoenix 14K's on Electronic ballasts and do not run any actinic lighting.

[reefer718]

Can you explain how does the 10k,14, and 20k work? I know it has something to do with the color

any pics of your 30 i would love to see it

[MeuserReef]

Im no expert... but from what I have gathered, the intensity (PAR) decreases as you go from 10K to 20K. ie. you would not get as good of growth from your corals... but your tank would look nicer (my personal translation.)


Here is my "Before and After" that I put together once I finished my upgrade from Power Compact Florescents to 14K Metal Halides (2- 150W DE 14K Phoenix bulbs)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/Original_Tarheel/Tank-BeforeandAfter.jpg

Considering the size of a 30L... too much coral growth might not be such a good thing (again my opinion).

Most of my corals were actually started as small frags and have "grown into" my tank.

[MeuserReef]

Sorry... I just noticed that I didnt really answer your question.
10K is closer to white and as you increase the Kelvin rating (AKA color or "K" rating) you move away from white to a more blue color.

In my picture above, the before is 10K with Actinic and the after is the 14K. Its not a true K comparison because Im comparing 10K florescent to 14K Halide. Im sure a 10K halide would compare differently to a 14K Halide.

Does this make sense?

Try the "Halide FAQ thread" at the top of this forum... tons of info.

[reefer718]

Yea, it does make sence thanks, nice tank btw