Lighting Question

[kah0197]

I know I need to upgrade my lighting before I even think of adding any frags to my tank. However, I need some suggestions on what to upgrade to. Some day I would like to have a few clams if that makes any difference.

My tank specs have been added to the forum of Tank Specs

Thanks for any help!

[Reedman]

If you're going to keep clams some day I would just go to metal halide lighting. Either 250W or 400W depending on the look and intensity you want (and your tank height - if you are over 24" high, probably 400W). Think about cooling ahead of time when moving to MH as it will be an issue. Most times fans will work, but some need a chiller. On a corner tank you have the added complexity of what size VHO or PC to use and how to incorporate the MH into the scheme.

I am fairly certain that there are other corner tank owners here that will chime in.

Good luck!

[Doug1]

Interesting tank, the corner unit. What are the diminsions on the tank and ep how tall is it, how much open water above sand bed?

[kah0197]

The deminsions are 48W x 34L x 24H

Approximatley 18 -19" of open water above sand bed.

So with this information, what is suggested for upgrading my lighting?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

[Doug1]

Hmmmmtrying to visualize that dimension. Is there any kind of center brace on the tank?
I am thinking 400 MH but they MH cover 2x2 area effectivly. You might be able to show case a couple awesom clams and or a Fiji Gold Leather, with lower light stuff frowing on the darker ends , FWIW

[kah0197]

You've been great in responding to my question. Here is additonal information that may help you help me. Here is a website that has the same aquarium and stand as I have. Disregard the other stuff. http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h109masterkit92corner.htm

With this additional information, would you please provide what you think would work best for my tank.

Thanks for all the help.

PS
Some told me that I could just add a 24" to what I have already. Does this seem right?

[Biohazard]

I have the same tank. with mine i did 5 55w PC (2 110w 36" striplight and 1 24" 55w strip.

i cant do a clam or SPS. i am having great resaults with LPS and softies i posted a pic in my gallary so you should be able to see it soon.

[Reedman]

Cool tank shape. I suspect you could do just like Doug said and put a 400W MH right in the middle. That would allow the clam(s) to go below it and maybe a few high light corals in the 2x2 square area below the light. Then, in the rest of the tank have the medium to low light corals. Should be a great display

[reiple]

any info on HQI? links? whats the minimum kelvin rating? are they all 6500K or do they also come in 4500? 5500?

I saw a 70 and 150 watt double ended HQI. It was way cheaper than MH (around 50%). But the salesperson cannot identify the proper kelvin rating. When tested it emitted a very bluish light then shifted to very white with slight blue shade. It was also not very hot and the ballast was remote. Would this be ok for clams and hard corals?