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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/18/2008 2:44:39 PM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 4
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| Okay I know there are a million questions about this everywhere, but I want to ask mine. I am setting up a new tank from scratch. I have a 30 gallon finnex M tank. 24" across x 18" deep (not sure about the width with the dividers). I plan on having a shallow sand bed, probably 2" at most. Its more for asthetics. I have a Outer Orbit 250w MQI lighting setup. There is also 4 T5's with this setup and the most awesomest blue and white lunar lights. Total wattage is 355. I got this from a friend of a friend for a good price (cheaper than a good PC setup). I plan on keeping SPS in this tank at some point in the future, which is another reason I wanted the 250w HQI. What are your thoughts on using this light for soft corals and zoa's to begin with? From what I have read it is way to powerful, so I am probably going to be using some diffuser to cut back the MH output and putting some distance between it and the tank. Will this work good for SPS in the future? Any other suggestions for using this setup with the softies and zoa's?
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Fishkeeping GURU
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 4:01:15 PM
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I am not familiar with this specific light, but can you shut off the MH and use just the T5 and LEDs? If so, I'd do that. Are you going to use a chiller? You're probably going to need one with such a powerful fixture on that tank.
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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 12:07:03 PM
Posts: 241,
Visits: 322
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| Sounds like you got a really good deal, that's about a $500-$600 fixture. It should do anything you want it to for that size tank. As Hailey said, just don't hook up the MH ballast and run off of T-5's for zoanthids, most mushrooms and some soft corals. Or, if you just want the nice glitter lines you get from MH (my preference), just hang it 18"-24" above the tank. This light will definately provide enough intensity for most sps. I've run a 250 over a 40g with 30 long for a sump and didn't need a chiller, just a fan. But a 30 with no sump, Are you going to use a chiller? You're probably going to need one with such a powerful fixture on that tank. I have to agree. here too.
So many species, so little money!
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