Replacing Halides

[banker]

I only have soft corals mushrooms, zoos. 150 gal. I am replacing the metal halides in my tank, it's been almost two years since replacement. My actinics are fine (t5), I want some suggestions regarding K rating on halides. Personally, I would like some 15k however, I know that algae does not react well to this. I have a Yellow Tang and a Hippo Tang that love to graze on 120lbs of live rock. Please advise.

Thanks.

[Geoff]

the higher the K, generally the lower the PAR. PAR is what algae need to feed. are you currently growing algae on the LR? do you feed the tangs nori?

zoas do not need as much PAR as the algae does, due to the symbiots living inside them so you can go with any K you want for them.

G~

[banker]

There is limited green or brown algae growing on the lr. I supplement the tangs with OSI Marine Aquarium Flake and Kent Platnium reef herbivore along with a cube of emerald entree every night. What is nori? Am I a total idiot for not knowing.

[Geoff]

nori is the stuff that is wrapped around California rolls in a sushi restaurant. most grocery stores with an ethnic section will carry it. comes in sheets. with what you are feeding you may not need to feed nori.

i would not worry about growing algae, i would just pick the K bulbs you like the look of. what wattage are the MH's. as long as they are at least 175w's you should be fine with the corals you have listed.

G~

[banker]

Thanks, I really appreciate the info.