lighting concerns

hello josh here. Im just getting into the reef hobby, I picked up a 55gal aquarium. I believe it is 48x12x18deep. I have a sunpod 2x250watt light with six moonlights. Will this be adaquite for most corals or will I risk burning them. the lights do have fans but the lights sit about 4 inchs off the tank. thanks for reading any advise greatly appreciated. I could hang the lights higher if that would help or make a difference.

 

is it hq and if so it just depends on the corals and the bulbs but you will defently be ok with sps if you dont run to high of bulbs

 

Hello and Welcome to 3reef.

Sounds like good lighting for a 55 gal. When you arrange the rockwork, consider some over hangs and caves, this will allow you to place some LPS low in the tank in areas of less intensity.

You should be able to grow some nice acropora and other sps at the mid level and higher as long as you acclimate them to the lighting if need be.

Being able to adjust the height works in your favor.

Congradulations on the new tank.

 

thanks makes me feel much better get a sump tomorrow 20 gal and get ready to start the process thanks again sure many posts to come this is a great site found everything i need on here

 

what about soft corals

what about soft corals to much light

 

IMHO
many soft coral can adapt to the stronger lighting of MH lamps but they do need time to adjust

if it where my set up, I would start those lamps about 12 inches above the water level
and then if they are hung by chains, lower them by about 1 inch per week over 4 weeks
until the lamps are about 8 inches above the water

this should prevent any problems, and gives the corals a chance to light acclimatise

the gap, also give better ventilation, and a opportunity to blow fans across water surface should the need arise

the light may not harm anything, but the temp possibly could do if it cannot be controlled


Steve