Opinions on light settings for corals

[jordan5522]

So I’ve been running a single prime hd reef light on a 40 gallon reef. I’ve been thinking maybe I need to get another one as well unsure but let me know if I should or not please! And I’ve been trying to find the best light setting for coral growth. I’ll attached what I have running on the light settings and it has a 2 hour ramp time as well. Here what I have for corals as of now
Hammers
Zoas
Gsp
Duncan
Galaxy
Kenya tree
Mushroom
Birdsnest (penope) but got bleached. Also what be best to place it and not to get bleached again wanting to try with a new piece soon!

 

[Spare time]

Is the tank a standard 40 gallon breeder?

 

[jordan5522]

Is the tank a standard 40 gallon breeder?

Yes! Sorry I should have put that in there

 

[Spare time]

Yes! Sorry I should have put that in there

A second would definitely help with spread. Otherwise, you can raise your light up higher and increase the intensity. The first option would be better.

 

[dstockwell]

Strange that ponape got bleached it needs high par.

 

[jordan5522]

A second would definitely help with spread. Otherwise, you can raise your light up higher and increase the intensity. The first option would be better.

Ok that’s what maybe I thought another light but as for the settings that I have it, do you think that’s good for the coral growth if I add another?

 

[jordan5522]

Strange that ponape got bleached it needs high par.

That’s what I thought because I had it high up in the tank. It was doing fine for like a week or 2 then it went downhill with it

 

[Spare time]

Ok that’s what maybe I thought another light but as for the settings that I have it, do you think that’s good for the coral growth if I add another?

I think so. You could probably raise the intensity too but its always best to bee cautious when doing so. How far off the water is the light?

 

[Spare time]

That’s what I thought because I had it high up in the tank. It was doing fine for like a week or 2 then it went downhill with it

Are you sure it wasn't rapid tissue necrosis instead of bleaching? Birdsnest corals are really finicky in my opinion. I have no clue why anyone calls them beginner friendly.

 

[jordan5522]

Are you sure it wasn't rapid tissue necrosis instead of bleaching? Birdsnest corals are really finicky in my opinion. I have no clue why anyone calls them beginner friendly.

So the light is 9inches off the glass lid canopy and if u want I can take a photo of it and show u it I took a photo of it right after I notice

 

[Spare time]

So the light is 9inches off the glass lid canopy and if u want I can take a photo of it and show u it I took a photo of it right after I notice

i think moving it to about 13 inches and upping the intensity may help with spread at the moment. These lights cover an ideal range of 18x18 but max 24x24 inches each. having two lights 13 inches of the water will provide a nicer coverage.

 

[jordan5522]

i think moving it to about 13 inches and upping the intensity may help with spread at the moment. These lights cover an ideal range of 18x18 but max 24x24 inches each. having two lights 13 inches of the water will provide a nicer coverage.

I can do 12 inches off the canopy that’s the max it will go but if 2 would do better I can buy another one and spread it out but I attached a photo of what the birdsnest looks like

 

[Spare time]

I can do 12 inches off the canopy that’s the max it will go but if 2 would do better I can buy another one and spread it out but I attached a photo of what the birdsnest looks like

That birdsnest isn't bleached its just a dead skeleton. If you get a second light, have them both about 12 inches off the water surface and each slightly closer to the edges of the tank rather than to eachother. BRS has a good video on these lights if you want to see a reference. I don't know about how much the glass lid impacts par so keep that in mind.

 

[jordan5522]

That birdsnest isn't bleached its just a dead skeleton. If you get a second light, have them both about 12 inches off the water surface and each slightly closer to the edges of the tank rather than to eachother. BRS has a good video on these lights if you want to see a reference. I don't know about how much the glass lid impacts par so keep that in mind.

Oh ok see I was new to the birdsnest and I thought it was bleached but thank you of that! So I’ll get another light and spread them out and I’ll put the birdsnest at the highest on the tank and that should maybe help if I’m correct right?

 

[Spare time]

Oh ok see I was new to the birdsnest and I thought it was bleached but thank you of that! So I’ll get another light and spread them out and I’ll put the birdsnest at the highest on the tank and that should maybe help if I’m correct right?

The way you can tell if the tissue is dead and its a skeleton vs bleached is that bleached corals still have polyps extended. And a birdsnest in the upper portion would work.

 

[jordan5522]

The way you can tell if the tissue is dead and its a skeleton vs bleached is that bleached corals still have polyps extended. And a birdsnest in the upper portion would work.

Oh ok I appreciate the info and suggestions on this. Will definitely get another light and raise it and try to bring it back to light. One of question and thing I should help on reviving it like food or dosing anything?

 

[90's reefer]

A 40 breeder can use 3 16hds and 4 would be better.
I run 3 on my 36x24x12 frag system and am adding a fourth next week.
My 20g 18" nano cube runs 2 16hds.
These are my settings and tanks.

 

[jordan5522]

A 40 breeder can use 3 16hds and 4 would be better.
I run 3 on my 36x24x12 frag system and am adding a fourth next week.
My 20g 18" nano cube runs 2 16hds.
These are my settings and tanks.
View attachment 2874464View attachment 2874467
View attachment 2874472

Ok so do u think I could pull of 2 primes for now if I buy another one or should I go ahead and buy another 2 to have 3? And I can’t remember but do they link together so I can control them all at once if so?

 

[90's reefer]

Yea you can start with 1 and get another later
Yes they do link. My frag system and 20g are all linked to the same schedule.

 

[jordan5522]

Yea you can start with 1 and get another later
Yes they do link. My frag system and 20g are all linked to the same schedule.

Ok cool I’m going to buy another one to have 2 and I appreciate the info on this!