Sump lighting

[patchin]

I'm going to build a new sump and want to have 3 compartments. 1/3 skimmer-then the rest divided in half lengthwise, like Brian's, I think. One half of that fuge, the other half for frags. If I want mixed frags, what type of lighting would you guys suggest?

 

[jkreefer]

When you say mixed frags are you including sps frags?

 

[Gomer]

Unless you are growing high light demand ccorals and want something inexpensive, retro with an AHsupply kit.

 

[patchin]

Yes, sps and lps. the area would be about 17''x5''.

 

[Gomer]

you got 3 choices
70/150 MH or 2x36 PC.

I can tell you from personal experience on my 10g frag tank, that 2x36 watt with AH reflectors and 50/50 coralife bulbs keeps SPS just fine. It won't get you the super colors from blasting with MH, but it works. Keep in mind though that my lights are quite low and corals high

 

[patchin]

I was hoping 70 watt MH would be enough light.

 

[Gomer]

70 should be plenty.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

I'm running a PFO pendant with 150w DE 14k Phoenix over one end of a 60 gallon sump. I have zoas, softies, and lps in there. I have some Idaho Grape in there, but the lighting isn't bright enough, so the IG is more like Idaho Totally Brown.

 

[Gomer]

ya, but this is over an area the size of a 5g tank.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Yep, just posting the info on mine so that people will have a frame of reference.

 

[seminolecpa]

Mine is about 80 gallons 17" tall x19" deep by 48" long. I am using a single 250W pendant to light the frag area. Jury still out if that is enough or too much. I won't be adding and frags for a little while while I let it break in.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

That would keep the IG from turning into Idaho Raisin

 

[seminolecpa]

My IG took forever to finally color up. Used to call it my Idaho Potato Brown.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Colors up fast for me if I keep it at the top of the tank under 250w Radium. If I move it even 1/4 of the way down, it gets brown purple after a couple weeks.

 

[patchin]

Clever Guys

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Steve, soon you'll have a sump just like Eric's

 

[patchin]

Steve, soon you'll have a sump just like Eric's

If my system could grow what he's able to grow, I'd be the happiest guy around ;D And a lot poorer!