Lighting resources

EdgeKrusher · 01-09-2004, 01:37 PM

I'm going to be setting up a 30 gallon this spring, I want it to be a softie tank, but I want lights that will be able to support Ricordia and such. I've been told that you need MH lights for this. MH Lighting is an open option, but I don't know where to start with any of this. Are there some online resources that could help me. And any help from you guys and gals is always welcome.

Pece

EK

ReefLady · 01-09-2004, 02:07 PM

IMO, if you're not doing sps or clams (or most anemones), I wouldn't do MH.

Softies, LPS (and Ricordea) will thrive in VHO or PC lighting. It's pretty tough to maintain a stable tank temp in a small tank running MH's - unless you have a chiller also. With VHO or PC lighting, your tanks won't run as hot, and you won't use as much electricity.

JMO

wildcat · 01-09-2004, 02:21 PM

I know many will shutter when they hear this but I use normal output fluorescent bulbs totaling 180 watts on a 3 ft. 65 gall (125 divided in half).

The bulbs are 2-18k, 2-10k, 2 actinic.

My softies of all sorts and even a few LPS are thriving. I believe the secret is a balance of quantity but also quality of lighting spectrum.

Certainly you're better off with quality VHO (more flexibility to provide safety net) but don't necessarily rule out normal output high quality fluorescents.

Easily available, cheap to run, little heat output

Brucey · 01-09-2004, 03:08 PM

I've no experience with smaller tanks but i'd be very concerned about the heat build up in a small tank under MH .... My tank is 180 gallons and without proper ventilation, fans, extractors etc etc the temp used to go up from 78 to 83 under the MH. It's ok now though, but I've invested in proper ventilation
Brucey

01-09-2004, 01:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
EdgeKrusher Plate Coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Eden Prairie, MN Posts: 716 View Gallery Karma Komment	Lighting resources I'm going to be setting up a 30 gallon this spring, I want it to be a softie tank, but I want lights that will be able to support Ricordia and such. I've been told that you need MH lights for this. MH Lighting is an open option, but I don't know where to start with any of this. Are there some online resources that could help me. And any help from you guys and gals is always welcome. Pece EK

01-09-2004, 02:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
ReefLady Golden Moray Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 2,029 View Gallery Karma Komment	IMO, if you're not doing sps or clams (or most anemones), I wouldn't do MH. Softies, LPS (and Ricordea) will thrive in VHO or PC lighting. It's pretty tough to maintain a stable tank temp in a small tank running MH's - unless you have a chiller also. With VHO or PC lighting, your tanks won't run as hot, and you won't use as much electricity. JMO __________________ ~ Teri -------- "You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice."

01-09-2004, 03:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
Brucey Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Reading, England Posts: 1,292 View Gallery Karma Komment	I've no experience with smaller tanks but i'd be very concerned about the heat build up in a small tank under MH .... My tank is 180 gallons and without proper ventilation, fans, extractors etc etc the temp used to go up from 78 to 83 under the MH. It's ok now though, but I've invested in proper ventilation Brucey __________________ 160UK Gallon. (192US Gallon). 400Lbs LR. Aquamedic Turboflotor 5000 Shorty skimmer. Arcadia 3Series pendant (3x250W 14,000'K MH & 2x58W 60" actinic) (DIY cooling fan). Tunze 7095 Multicontroller & 2xTunze 6100 Streams. Redsea 100 Aquazone Plus ozonizer and redox computer. Aquamedic Ocean Runner 6500 return. TMC Vectron 30W UV sterilizer. Aquamedic Aquaniveau auto top up system through Deltec 500 kalk stirrer. PurityOnTap RO/DI. Deltec FR509 (ROWAPhos). Aquamedic PH computer controlling KNOP HD Calcium Reactor. Setup Nov 2002 See my tank here http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...&threadid=4486

01-09-2004, 02:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
wildcat Bryozoan Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 49 View Gallery Karma Komment	I know many will shutter when they hear this but I use normal output fluorescent bulbs totaling 180 watts on a 3 ft. 65 gall (125 divided in half). The bulbs are 2-18k, 2-10k, 2 actinic. My softies of all sorts and even a few LPS are thriving. I believe the secret is a balance of quantity but also quality of lighting spectrum. Certainly you're better off with quality VHO (more flexibility to provide safety net) but don't necessarily rule out normal output high quality fluorescents. Easily available, cheap to run, little heat output

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)