lighting advice for a 47 bow

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by billy31422, Jul 29, 2004.

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  1. billy31422

    billy31422 Feather Duster

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    just wondering what you all would use for this tank. i want to keep anemones and some corals
     
    billy31422, Jul 29, 2004
    billy31422, Jul 29, 2004
    #1

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  2. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Is this your first tank?
    What is your budget?
     
    Matt Rogers, Jul 30, 2004
    Matt Rogers, Jul 30, 2004
    #2
  3. billy31422

    billy31422 Feather Duster

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    this is not my first tank, i am thinking 400 watt metal halide, am open to other idea's, right now i only have a 55 watt pc
     
    billy31422, Jul 31, 2004
    billy31422, Jul 31, 2004
    #3
  4. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Personally I'd go with a 250 watt bulb. That's 5.3 watts/gallon.
    400 is over kill on a 47 in my opinion. And will heat the tank up.
     
    Matt Rogers, Jul 31, 2004
    Matt Rogers, Jul 31, 2004
    #4
  5. billy31422

    billy31422 Feather Duster

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    is there an unwritten rule of how many watts is too many and how few is not enough
     
    billy31422, Aug 2, 2004
    billy31422, Aug 2, 2004
    #5
  6. JohnO

    JohnO Moderator

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    The rule that I used was as follows:

    For tanks 16" or less in depth, anything from a 150 watt to a 250 watt will be sufficient.

    For deeper tanks, use either 250 watt or 400 watt bulbs

    Even though Watts/gallon is relevant it's really the depth of the tank that is more important, then the spread of the light.

    John
     
    JohnO, Aug 2, 2004
    JohnO, Aug 2, 2004
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  7. Chris Jones

    Chris Jones Feather Duster

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    As you can see from my description, I have a 46 gal bow and a 2x65 watt retro in my hood. i have great results with this and my corals are happy at all depths. they are more energy efficient than the MH. ;D
     
    Chris Jones, Aug 2, 2004
    Chris Jones, Aug 2, 2004
    #7
  8. JohnO

    JohnO Moderator

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    How deep is a 46 gal bow?

    John :)
     
    JohnO, Aug 2, 2004
    JohnO, Aug 2, 2004
    #8
  9. Chris Jones

    Chris Jones Feather Duster

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    Mine is about 18", my wife says it is shorter, :huh: :-[ LOL
     
    Chris Jones, Aug 3, 2004
    Chris Jones, Aug 3, 2004
    #9
  10. JohnO

    JohnO Moderator

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    [quote author=Ben Dover link=board=lighting;num=1091159766;start=0#8 date=08/03/04 at 03:28:28]Mine is about 18", my wife says it is shorter,  :huh: :-[ LOL[/quote]


    Yes, but how deep is the tank :)

    John
     
    JohnO, Aug 3, 2004
    JohnO, Aug 3, 2004
    #10
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