Seting up a frag tank - Questions

[Stpatrick]

Hi everyone. I am setting up a frag tank 18x18x7. Is a 150 HQI to much light for this setup?

Thanks.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Really just depends on how high it is above the water. I kept a 250w HQI on a 12".

 

[Stpatrick]

Really just depends on how high it is above the water. I kept a 250w HQI on a 12".

I guess it will be about 10" above the water line. Is that enough light or to much?
P

 

[Gamble]

Should be okay. I ran a 250 watt at that height and 8" deep, my only problem was heat, but just had to add a good fan.

 

[Bandomo]

I think that might be a little too much heat for such a small tank. I just setup a frag tank with the exact same dimensions, except it's an AIO. I chose the AI Nano and couldn't be happier. Plus, I don't have to spend money on light bulbs anytime soon.

 

[Gamble]

LEDs would be choice for sure for heat management and just enjoying the tank, but my opinion on halides for SPS will never change. I still question how long LEDs actually hold their spectrum, and I have seen them do some funky stuff to the color of chalices.

 

[Stpatrick]

Leds might be a good choice. I have 3 ai sol blues over my DT now. I just thought a 150 watt HQI over a 6" deep frag tank would be enough. Not sure I want to fork out the cost of the AI Nano though.

 

[Stpatrick]

Would this be over kill 120w - 55x 3W high power LEDs. Blue 30*3w LED; White: 25*3w LED

 

[Stpatrick]

bump

 

[Bandomo]

Would this be over kill 120w - 55x 3W high power LEDs. Blue 30*3w LED; White: 25*3w LED

Wouldn't that equal 165 total watts?

 

[Stpatrick]

3w leds, but I guess they are powered at 2w for efficiency.

 

[ruppertb]

If I were to set up a frag tank, and use a 55gal, and make a frag rack to hold the frags half way up into the water would 4 t5's be enough light? they are 48in long not sure what the wattage is, but probably whatever is standard. also would it need a skimmer if it is just a frag tank with no fish or waste being produced?

 

[Stpatrick]

Not sure. I am still trying to figure out what light to use

 

[AcroholicReefer]

On a tank that size, I would personally go with a T5 fixture. Just make sure that you have enough bulbs. Flow is more of an issue in tanks that are shallow but you can still make it work fine.