How strong should my Radion be?

CheetoFingers

CheetoFingers

Member
Hi everyone. I bought a Radion Xr15w pro about a month and a half ago, for the upgrade on my 5 gallon. The light is 7" above the top of the water line, and the tank is only 12.25" tall. I mostly keep acans, and some palys and zoas. Initially, I started the lights at 20% intensity, then after about 3 weeks moved it to 30%. Basically, I want to keep my corals happy, and keep my Z/Ps from stretching. Does anyone have a recommendation based on experience, or knowledge I dont have? lol


Here's a pic for reference:

0IS4pdV.jpg
 
The Radion at full is a rough equivalent to a 250 watt MH

Given the types of corals you have and tank depth, I would do a natural sunrise and sunset with the max high noon intensity starting at 30% then acclimate to 50-75% depending on other factors.

For SPS you would want to acclimate to 100%

Bill
 
Some palys Do stretch regardless of the flow and light you give them ..


55% is still a lot of light for all those acans sitting up top..

i would say 50% on blues and may be 25% on whites if you want to keep those acans where they are right now. Acans need too little light
 
Thanks Tom! Its a jumble of frags right now, but hopefully in a year or so when they grow out, it will look even better. Now I just have to get a short heater and hide the ugly long one lol.
 
tinman said:
Some palys Do stretch regardless of the flow and light you give them ..


55% is still a lot of light for all those acans sitting up top..

i would say 50% on blues and may be 25% on whites if you want to keep those acans where they are right now. Acans need too little light
Click to expand...

Hmmm I hadnt thought about the acans needing less intense light. Can they be acclimated to higher intensities, or will they die/color bleach? So far they have stayed true to their original colors, and Ive had them at 35% for a week or so now.
 
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