SPS and T-5, halide, VHO, PC

[erid]

Question for seasoned SPS keepers. (I'd like to become one, lol!)

If I am correct in saying, the general rule of thumb for SPS is a Min of 5 Watts per gallon.


I've seen fast growing beautiful tanks using VHO (4-110 watt = 440 Watts only 4.8 Watts per gallon on a 90Gal), & T-5 (65Watt bulbs x6 = 390 Watts 4.3 Watts per gallon on a 90 Gal).

I realize the the lighting is evenly distributed in the tank with tube lighting, but why do SPS tend to grow better with lower wattage tube lighting, than lower wattage halide/compact fixtures that may produce 6.2 watts per gallon (in my case 560 Watts)

What's your opinion? Does it come down to PAR? Or do you think it's Water Quality?

Thanks,

Erik

 

[Phyl]

According to Jake Adams, flow is a huge component to growth. The way he explained it, the corals are always breathing, and they need flow to bring them nutrients and carry away the waste or they can't breathe. There comes a point where you don't have enough flow to support the respiration caused by a certain intensity of lighting.

There are soooo many variables. It could be the nutrients in the water, the flow, the light, par of the bulbs, color temperature, ....

 

[erid]

Thanks Phil.