Too much light?

[Jay]

Is it possible to have to much lighting in a tank? Can Corals burn like plants if the lighting is to intense? I am looking to upgrade my lighting system in order to support SPS corals and tank growth. My tank is 55 gallons 48" wide and 15" tall. Currently I have 265 watts of florescents and want to upgrade to either MH or T5s and am wondering exactly what it is I want to get. Maybe a dual 150 MH supported with florescents or maybe a 6-8 bulb t5 fixture. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[reefer714]

6 T-5 should be more than enough....

 

[fishyfingers]

i heard of this before corals can burn

 

[Jay]

I fibbed 15" deep and 23" tall. T-5s get good penetration? I know they run a bit cooler which is a bonus. I really want to light this tank up. Im planning on purchasing a 240 gallon soon and want to turn this little tank into a coral show tank so I want to make sure I purchase the best lighting possible right now. It will house zoos, LPS and SPS corals and a few fish to keep the system clean. What is everyones opinions on whom makes the best lighting systems? For this tank I just want to purchase the whole unit and no DIY retro fits.

 

[ASommers]

I think it's really a matter of personal preference, You don't get the glimmer lines with T5s but will use less wattage and have less heat issues. I like the retros better so that you can upgrade without rebuying everything need more light goto a icecap ballast and overdrive them or add more lights, if you need longer lights it's just replace ballast and bulbs and your done.