Switch out MH for powerbrites?

[E.intheC]

I have been kicking around the idea of dropping my 250 watt Metal Halide. It's enclosed in a canopy on my 45 cube system (18 inch water depth).

In addition to the MH, I have an actinic Powerbrite module to help with dawn/dusk lighting. Most of my tank is LPS (euphyllia- torch, frogspawn, hammer, and also acans, trumpets, and others) and Zoanthids, but I do have some SPS on the very top 8 inches or so of the tank (millis, caps, and more in the future).

Lately I've noticed that the LPS (and to an extent, the SPS) are responding to the actinic Powerbrites when that's the only light on the whole tank. (They're opening up to almost their full position with only that lighting).. My zoanthids seem happy. Most of the LPS is on the sandbed (due to the MH acclimation) or close to it.

My plan is to reduce heat and energy use (and make it easier on my fish and corals --they seem to be having a hard time with the 250 watt MH) by swapping out the MH for a few more Powerbrite strips. (Thinking 2x 10,000K and one 50/50 or another actinic, so I'll have 4 strips total.)

What are your thoughts on this? Bad idea? Will the corals grow at all with this system?

 

[Wes]

They are not responding to the led's they are responding to the lack of light. Polyps come out at night when the sun goes down.


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[ZANYMASTER]

There are better systems out there like this one: http://www.petsolutions.com/Panorama-System+I45806060+C40003287.aspx

 

[E.intheC]

They are not responding to the led's they are responding to the lack of light. Polyps come out at night when the sun goes down.


Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

I see what you mean, but its not polyp extension I'm talking about. It's not the feeder tentacles, it's the whole polyp. (For SPS you're right) When all lights are off, the lps corals and zoas are all shut down. They shrink to almost nothing. Then, when the lights come back on, they open up. When the pbrite's are on, they're almost the exact same size as when the halide comes on.

 

[JonnyJ]

The powerbrites and the panarama modules are no good for growth. They are mainly for supplemental light.

Those panaramas use a stronger base led than the powerbrites. But do not use any lenses. They are not strong enough unless you have a bunch of them to really grow corals on a decent size tank. At the end of this month they should be coming out with panarama modules with lenses. Now those would be a good start but expensive

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Look at the thread NYReefnoob started.

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/74710-maxspec-led.html

 

[E.intheC]

Good link Chief. That's interesting as well.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Also think the ecoxotic lighting is nice as well.

 

[E.intheC]

Do u think you'll switch the T5's out for an LED system on your solana?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

If a quality LED product at a reasonable price is found I just may.

 

[E.intheC]

reasonable price is the key. It looks like the maxspect may be a good deal, however it doesn't have dimming capabilities (although that wouldn't be a big problem for me) or some of the other complex features as the higher cost LED fixtures.

Definitely still interested

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I am just worried with the fact that they may not be driving their bulbs like I found out they say they are. Maybe Wingnut can help out with this info.

 

[duke62]

this dimming is so worthless in my opinion.does ur MH dim.or your t5..the corals growth will not dwindle cause of the dimming effect