Anyone using a 20/21K halide over there zoanthids

[Reefer U.K.]

Hello,
i am hoping to set up a 19"W x 19"H x 25"L cube (with a 6" in tank sump) which will house mainly zoanthids.

However i am unsure about the best lighting option.
I have decided that the 21K Giesemann megachrome blue DE would be a good start.
My questions are, (a) would i still need to supplement with actinic lighting to get the best effect, or would this not be necessary?, (b), should i go for a 150W or a 250W, given the dimensions of the tank (heat issues etc) and the fact that the tank will hold mainly zoanthids.
If anyone has any pictures of a 20/21K halide over their tank i would appreciate seeing them

Any help or advice would be appreciated,

kind regards,

Peter (from the U.K.)

 

[limestro]

Peter,

I run 20K XM Lighting on my tank. From my experience, you can get by without actinic supplementation but I would suggest having it. Some of my zoo colors have become more vivid and some of them has lost their colors. It all depends on the type of zoos. Also, some zoos will morph under different lighting. Here is a picture of some of my zoos under 20K XM Lighting w/ no actinic supplementation.

The RPEs in the far left used to have a pinkish coat on them when they were under 50/50 PCs. Ever since I had them under MH they seem to have lost that coat. The same can be said with the Wild Pink Palys. Although they are are still pink the glow was lost. As for the wham watermelons to the right of the pink Palys, the colors seem to have darken more due to the light. Hope this helps.

~Mike

 

[Reefer U.K.]

Thanks Mike, much appreciated.
Most of the single 150K halides over here which include actinic bulbs, only seem to have 2 x 18 watts, just wondered if only having 2 x 18 watts would make much difference.
AidyB, (who is also from the U.K.) who is a member on here has a nice Zoo collection, and he runs a 21K and really likes it, however i can't get hold of him in order to get any answers.

cheers,

Peter.

 

[limestro]

NP. If you do decide to use the 2 x 18 watts of actinic. I would suggest putting the colonies up high. It really depends on the colony too. Some colonies will have subtle changes like the wham watermelons and some like my PEs will have noticable changes. As for me, I'm a fan of experimentation so I would encourage you to run the 2 x 18 watts and give it a try. I don't seem any harm in it. Who knows maybe you can get it to morph. As for the last statment...looks like I'll have to start trading with the UK members =)

 

[Reefer U.K.]

Thanks once again Mike,

Peter.

 

[limestro]

Oh yeah Peter, don't forget to post pictures of your setup. I'd be interested in seeing how it turns out and how your zoos fare. Keep us posted.

 

[Reefer U.K.]

Will do, mate.

 

[Shultz]

I have 2 x 21k Gisemann's over my tank, but I also have 127w of actinics as well! I suppose it depends on how it looks to you more than anything....

You could just try the 21k's on thier own first & add to it if you feel its not enough?

Cheers Shelton.

 

[Reefer U.K.]

Thanks for the reply Shultz, probably the best way to go, if you don't mind could you tell me how much it cost you for one DIY 150,

cheers,

Peter.

 

[Shultz]

The reflectors I bought 2nd hand, the electronic ballasts came from the link below & were about £40 each iirc? Ask to speak to Harry, he knows what he's talking about for ballasts for marines..

01726 69552
http://www.bglamps.com/about.asp

The bulbs came from this link....

http://www.thecoralgarden.co.uk/pro...d=583&osCsid=efbd748f42368d7144ecb787940a5cae

This is my local LFS, he's very good!

I love the colour these bulbs give personally, I've tried Coralvue's & BLV's & they were just too blue! I did have the XM's which again gave a great colour, but they DONT work with these electronic ballasts, but will work ok with magnetic ones

I have the actinics solely to make the colours of my corals pop & since I have 99% softies this works well for me.

Cheers Shelton.