lighting-how much is too much

[MikeAtJax]

Originally Posted by DarthOcellaris

is your tank BB? if so, and you tried putting those extra lights on, you'd FRY everything

Where is that information coming from? I disagree, a tank that is well maintained should have clear water, BB or DSB.

[DarthOcellaris]

Unfortunately, I have no single source of information that I'm quoting from That's just knowlege that I've gathered from this website and others. Basically, what I understand, a bare bottom tank allows you to run in a very nutrient-poor environment. Since the lights do not have to compete with these nutrients to penetrate, the amount of light needed to sustain life can be less.

I was commenting that if you added 800 watts of light, that would basically be overdoing things. In my opinion, THAT much light is way too much even for a tank with a DSB

If there's information I've missed on this subject, I am always wanting to learn.

[Jflip2002]

I agree that BB needs less light. Ive heard that over and over again. I have a 24" 60g cube, and I have it lit with a 250w 10k MH and 4x24w T5 actinics. The lights fried my tooth coral that I had placed mid-lower part of the tank. I had to move it down to the floor of my tank.

I believe the need for less lighting has to do with sulfates..... Though Im not positive. Its just what Ive been told on here....

[luvmylo]

yes BB tanks need less light. I have to agree no matter how hard you try you can't keep a dsb tank as nutrient free as a BB tank no matter how often you do changes. YOu really don't need that muych light over your tank

[MikeAtJax]

I have run both types of tanks and if no one can point out information other thaan I think or there is a lot of research I will stand by my opinion. The concept of BB is exporting before waste can break down not sulfates. At a given time, BB is not necessarily cleaner than a DSB. A bb tank is nutrient-poor environment but the waste is supended until it is exported. We have to be careful what advice we offer when someone asks.

[DarthOcellaris]

Originally Posted by MikeAtJax

I have run both types of tanks and if no one can point out information other I think or there is a lot of research I will stand by my opinion. The concept of BB is exporting before waste can break down not sulfates. At a given time, BB is not necessarily cleaner than a DSB. A bb tank is nutrient-poor environment but the waste is supended until it is exported. We have to be careful what advice we offer when someone asks.

the advice given has been carefully researched and fully discussed all over this forum. Please don't imply that we are giving incorrect advice or unresearched advice solely on your opinion. When someone asks for advice, it is up to that person to do further research based on what is presented. I too will stand by my opinion based on what I have read and discussed with others. I expect the original poster to do more investigating based on the fact that none of us here are more than hobbyists.

[MikeAtJax]

Originally Posted by DarthOcellaris

the advice given has been carefully researched and fully discussed all over this forum. Please don't imply that we are giving incorrect advice or unresearched advice solely on your opinion. When someone asks for advice, it is up to that person to do further research based on what is presented. I too will stand by my opinion based on what I have read and discussed with others. I expect the original poster to do more investigating based on the fact that none of us here are more than hobbyists.

My BB tank looks like the fish are floating in air however people said the same thing when I had a DSB. It is the methods that one uses not the BB vs DSB. In general a reefer running a BB tank has to keep on top of their tank more than a DSB or it will fail faster. Skimming, WCs, socks, etc will make your water clear in a DSB or BB tank.
Reserach has show that with clearer water we need less light but does not single out BB tanks. We need to read between the lines.
So, when someone ask if this is too much light we should not make statements as you did but rather ask what methods they use. A simple statement saying BB requires less light can be misleading.

[MikeAtJax]

Back to the orignal question, there are several 175 lights that would work great on a 75 gallon tank. Check out http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

[Waynesworld]

SO tell us what route you went?

[dacro]

Hey Mike... you think Nic has a brother???

[MikeAtJax]

Yes

[Robwsup]

Darth,
I believe what Mike is saying is please don't state your opinions as facts. There are two many variables in this hobby to make if/then conclusions. I personally run 1000w metal halides over my bare bottom prop systems, and nothing is "frying".

[DarthOcellaris]

Originally Posted by Robwsup

Darth,
I believe what Mike is saying is please don't state your opinions as facts. There are two many variables in this hobby to make if/then conclusions. I personally run 1000w metal halides over my bare bottom prop systems, and nothing is "frying".

I understood exactly what he meant.

[MikeAtJax]

Good.

[b16drag]

UHm...

Just get the T5's and call it a day! hah J/K! I say leave it at 175w x 2 unless you got 250w's. 400w's plus the 175w's would be overkill, you might as well grow some cannibus under them lights