Too much light?

On my 55 I currently have 4x54w t5s being overdriven to 80watts each with an icecap ballast. Had a few things bleach unless moved to the bottom of the tank. Should I try placing some SPS at the top of the tank or remove the ice cap ballast and go with a regular ballast that won't overdrive the bulbs?

Thanks

 

It depends on what you want, but most corals can be acclimated to higher lighting. If you want SPS, you have plenty of light for that. Otherwise, you should be able to slowly move your existing corals higher until you have them back where you want them once they regain color. Another option for acclimation is to place them where you want, then reduce the light schedule to around 50% for a few days, then start increasing by 1/2 hour every few days.

 

Yea, move the SPS to the top, that should be ideal. Clams would love it also.

 

+1 It's not that much light really. There may be some corals sensitive to that much light, but most should be able to acclimate to it. What corals are you having trouble with?

 

The ones that bleached were mainly palythoas and some LPS. Only seem to do well in the bottom area of the tank. Was thinking of jumping into SPS. Any recommendations for easy to care for SPS?

 

For LPS and most softies most definitely. I have a 4X54W over my 75 that is not over driven and keep it 28" above the sand to keep from bleaching my LPS and softies. I am using a retrofit in the canopy. I was bleaching Montis with more than 4 bulbs even at the current height. No need for over driven bulbs. I would just raise the lights to 30" above the sand at least. You can do SPS if you want but will need to light acclimate them to your tank. If you want some frags let me know and I can get you some from my corals.

 

Right on man thanks. Will definitely take you up on that. Currently my lights are retrofitted in my canopy as well. 23" to the sandbed and 9-10" to the top of the rockpile. Guess I will find just a regular output ballast so I don't have to overdrive anymore.