Hey, I have a couple of questions for those of you with experience. I currently have a new tank in setup and am getting ready to add some live rock and sand to begin establishing my tank. Basic tank specs. are:
225 gal. (72"x24"x30") with 45 gal. sump.
Two closed loops with approx. 6000 gph flow.
Sump flow approx 1500 gph.
Two 6 ft. 160w VHO actinics.
Three 400w 6.5k (already want 10k LOL) MH in Lumenarc reflectors approx. 10" from water.
150 lbs. base aragrocrete rock.
What I'm looking for mainly is info on my initial lighting schedule. I understand that I need high Ca levels, good SG, RODI water, etc... However, the more I read, the more conflicting info I get on initial lighting of the tank. Everything from "no lights for the first 6 weeks" to "full lighting from day one." In order to establish good coralline growth as well and facilitate the seeding of my sand bed and base rock, should I only run the VHO lights for the first few months, or should I go directly to running my MH's as well. I plan to run the actincs on a 12 hr. photoperiod with the MH's on a 6 to 8 hr. photoperiod. Ultimately I would like to have an SPS domintaed tank with a couple clams, but realize I need to have a well established tank before I add anything but the hardiest of corals and livestock.
Any opinions, advice, etc... would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
225 gal. (72"x24"x30") with 45 gal. sump.
Two closed loops with approx. 6000 gph flow.
Sump flow approx 1500 gph.
Two 6 ft. 160w VHO actinics.
Three 400w 6.5k (already want 10k LOL) MH in Lumenarc reflectors approx. 10" from water.
150 lbs. base aragrocrete rock.
What I'm looking for mainly is info on my initial lighting schedule. I understand that I need high Ca levels, good SG, RODI water, etc... However, the more I read, the more conflicting info I get on initial lighting of the tank. Everything from "no lights for the first 6 weeks" to "full lighting from day one." In order to establish good coralline growth as well and facilitate the seeding of my sand bed and base rock, should I only run the VHO lights for the first few months, or should I go directly to running my MH's as well. I plan to run the actincs on a 12 hr. photoperiod with the MH's on a 6 to 8 hr. photoperiod. Ultimately I would like to have an SPS domintaed tank with a couple clams, but realize I need to have a well established tank before I add anything but the hardiest of corals and livestock.
Any opinions, advice, etc... would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
