Acropora and lighting

[Aaron]

Flavio,
Have you had any luck or experience keeping acropora under Power Compact lighting. Have you used this lighting for Clams. I was wondering if the experiment is worth while, or if it is a waste of time. I know tank depth can make a big difference, but with the clams and acropora up high, can they supply enough light.
thanks
Aaron

[reefburnaby]

Hi,

Acros with PC is possibe, but you'll need a lot of lamp power. On average, a SPS reef can keep acros with a 250W Iwasaki or MH per 2 feet of tank length. Since PCs are more efficient, you'll need about 2/3 to 50% of that power or about 165W of 6500K per 2 feet. Add some actinics to brighten things up...

I am trying to keep SPS under overdriven NOs. So far...well...its been a half success. I lost two acro frags to RTN (temperature swing) and I was on holidays :( I have one montipora cap left and I have kept it for 9 months now. I have about 240 W of overdriven NOs on there (2 6500K 1 actinic) on a 90.

Hope that helps.

- Victor.