any sps only keepers in the club?

[nitrofish]

im going to be replacing my 180 gallon that busted on me last year, so in the meantime im brainstorming how i should set it up.im thinking id like to do an sps only tank. heres a couple things i would like ideas on:

bioload: I can have this fishless, 1 or 2 small fish, or a regular stocked tank

filtration: thinking of useing the steve tyree method (live rock in unlit sump) or a modified version with a skimmer (im leaning toward this method)

lighting: will I be able to get buy on x3 250w with actinics, or do I need to go toward 400w bulbs

 

[Rays]

My tank is loaded with acros and montis, I also have several good sized fish.
I know, I know tang police. I do have LR in the sump, only because I broke down another tank and didn't want to waste it. Yes, I do have a skimmer to help offset the bioload from the fish population. I have 250's 10K with actinics, over a 55, I have great growth. I'm not a lighting expert, but with a tank your size, one would think you would get better growth with 400's.

 

[Greg Hiller]

Hmmm....I know there will be a very classy, brand new ~130 gallon flat back hex reef ready available at auction in two weeks......3 - 250 watt double endeds in the back could light it quite nicely!

Sorry to be off topic, but trying to drum up interest in the auction.

 

[nichols]

Jeff my SPS are doing well under 3 250's mh.

 

[nitrofish]

Jeff my SPS are doing well under 3 250's mh.

thats good news, I am not sure what the wife would say about the electric bill with 400 w bulbs running.

 

[Gina McReeferson]

I am not sure of the depth of the 180 in question, but, I run 3 250's on my tank (24" dp) with excellent growth. Some of the Acro's actually display better coloration in the lower/less intensely lighted areas of the tank. Also, keeping a normal fish stocking level in the tank will actually help out in coral growth in my opinion.

-Dave

 

[nitrofish]

I am not sure of the depth of the 180 in question, but, I run 3 250's on my tank (24" dp) with excellent growth. Some of the Acro's actually display better coloration in the lower/less intensely lighted areas of the tank. Also, keeping a normal fish stocking level in the tank will actually help out in coral growth in my opinion.

-Dave

its 24" deep also. thanks for the feedback.
I am not into the fish as much as the corals, so maybe 5 fish or so would be it.plus for the first year im going to keep this as a fish only with live rock setup. I want to really take my time with this one.

 

[dz6t]

thats good news, I am not sure what the wife would say about the electric bill with 400 w bulbs running.

I think she will say, Jeff, get rid of the bike.

Actually, 3x400w is not that terrible to run. It may cause you just a case of beer more per month.

400w HQI is getting more and more popular and I heard the new ones give out insane amount of light.

I use 250w DE and very happy with them.

 

[vinny]

Just one question is everyone here running a calcium reator??

 

[Rays]

No, kalk drip and Randy's two part.

 

[nitrofish]

I think she will say, Jeff, get rid of the bike.

Actually, 3x400w is not that terrible to run. It may cause you just a case of beer more per month.

400w HQI is getting more and more popular and I heard the new ones give out insane amount of light.

I use 250w DE and very happy with them.

you serious, so like $30 more dollars is the only increace in my electric if I go with x3 400 watt bulbs, I expected more.

may decide to stick with the 250w though, since I already have the fixture. I could buy a smaller unit for my softie tank.

 

[dz6t]

yes, it will be less than $30 per month more from 250w to 400w for three bulbs.

What I worry about is not the cost of electricity, it is how much amp the house circuit can handle.

 

[delta]

you serious, so like $30 more dollars is the only increace in my electric if I go with x3 400 watt bulbs, I expected more.

may decide to stick with the 250w though, since I already have the fixture. I could buy a smaller unit for my softie tank.

You don't need to run them as long as 250s so the cost is pretty close. I think I figured it out to be 10 buck a month. But that doesn't include cooling costs, the 400s throw some heat.

 

[dz6t]

right, cooling is an issue. It cost me more to cool the tanks in summer than running the lights.

 

[nitrofish]

where do you buy a fixture with 400w bulbs anyway? ive seen the retrofits, and the 250w fixtures but never the 400w fixtures.

can I use the fixture i have and just upgrade the ballasts?

 

[dz6t]

I never use a 400w before so I have no idea if the 400w blub will fit into a 250w, DE that is.

 

[nitrofish]

im useing single ended right now. is the bulb screw base the same?

 

[Gina McReeferson]

you serious, so like $30 more dollars is the only increace in my electric if I go with x3 400 watt bulbs, I expected more.

may decide to stick with the 250w though, since I already have the fixture. I could buy a smaller unit for my softie tank.

Running 3 250's on 10 hours a day is ~$30 per month. Running 3 400's would cost you ~$50 per month if on the same lighting schedule.

These loose #'s are based on rated wattage, not actual draw, which may vary.

-Dave

 

[dz6t]

im useing single ended right now. is the bulb screw base the same?

yes, they are the same. Just upgrade the ballast and buy new bulbs.

 

[dz6t]

Running 3 250's on 10 hours a day is ~$30 per month. Running 3 400's would cost you ~$50 per month if on the same lighting schedule.

These loose #'s are based on rated wattage, not actual draw, which may vary.

-Dave

Ha! see? the different is $20, a nice case of Bud-Light.