Lighting setup for SPS

[moortim]

I am setting up a 55 that I would like to do SPS in, I don't really want to limit myself on what corals I put in it and I love clams so I know I need strong lighting. I recently purchased two 250 w IceCap electronic ballasts and two 12K reeflux bulbs. I chose the bulbs based on what color my wife and I wanted our aquarium to look like and I don't want to run actinics. I am using a 36" PFO parallel reflector with one bulb in either end. The more research I have done the more I wonder if these bulbs do not have enough PAR to keep whatever corals or clams I might want. Will I need to keep certain corals higher in the tank, nearer the lights? Do I have enough light to give a little more freedom in where I place corals? How high should I have the bulbs off the water?

Thanks in advance,
Tim

 

[kevinpo]

Hello Tim,
Without a doubt you can keep any clam you would like with the setup you have. Most SPS will be fine too. The highest light ones just need to be placed directly under the bulbs. If heat is not an issue you can lower the reflector down to 6" which will give a giant increase in intensity.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[moortim]

Thanks Kevin, my tank is nearly finished being put together, hopefully I will have water in it by the end of the week and in a few months when it is done cycling I will come for a coral shopping visit.

Tim