Lets talk about lighting an SPS tank

[JB NY]

I wouldn't run that many different lamps all for a 2x2 area. I would stick with only one lamp.

If you really think the 20K and 10K combo is what you need, one of each should be more than enough.

 

[pomme]

cool thanx joe, ill go for 2x 250 watters with a 10k and 20k bulb in it.

or do you think a 10k and 14k would be a better mix?

 

[tsutaoka]

250W DE + T5 blues

250W DE + T5 blues

with 250W DEs would you go 10K or 20K with T5 blues to supplement?

 

[pi]

with 250W DEs would you go 10K or 20K with T5 blues to supplement?

I would use 10k, but it is a very subjective decision that will vary by hobbyist.

I started with the AB 10k, but switched to XM 20k when they were the rage. Using the 20k AND actinics was VERY blue, so I swapped the actinics for the actinic white bulbs.

When the 20k bulb quit firing at 6 months, I went with the Hamilton 14k. Though much less blue when compared to the XM 20k, it still is quite blue and lacks the intensity of the AB 10k.

My next switch I am going back to the AB 10k and changing the VHO bulbs (2 - 95w) for 4 of the T5 blues. IMO, this will give me the intensity the previous two bulbs lacked and add a good bit of blue.

Paul

 

[tsutaoka]

thanks PI

thanks PI

for the advise. 10k ABs and T5 blues seem like a reasonable selection.

Do others have similar experiences?

Cheers...

 

[rbattle]

pi-

That is exactly what I am going to try to do. The 10k's and 4 T-5 Blue Plus's to fill in the 450nm section of light. I already like my 10k XM's, so I figure a little extra blue can't hurt.

Rush

 

[soonerveebs]

So what do I use if I'm not too worried about growth, but want maximum flourescence? I have Blueline 10K+ bulbs. Are the XM 20Ks better?

Finally, is the PAR number so much more important that I should forgoe the color I like and go with the XM 10K bulbs? I just don't know how valuable to coral health the PAR is? I'm running 250W MHs.

 

[JB NY]

Ultimately you should go with the color you like. I think the lamp color is mostly the persons preference. Personally I can't stand the look of 20K lamps over a tank. Some people can't stand the look of 10K. PAR is not the end all be all of measurement, but it does show you which lamp puts out more usable light.

 

[aquariumclown]

Ultimately you should go with the color you like. I think the lamp color is mostly the persons preference. Personally I can't stand the look of 20K lamps over a tank. Some people can't stand the look of 10K. PAR is not the end all be all of measurement, but it does show you which lamp puts out more usable light.

I totally agree with you on this. I just put together a new tank and I'm running 20k Radiums. For a long time I always thought I didn't like them and it doesn't maximize growth. I now think that my growth is just fine (better than I ever expected actually) and I love the color. I dread changing to different temp bulbs now.

 

[Mchava]

here is a question that I've have not seen answered in all of this lighting treads. As far as 175w go has any one ever check to see what the actual PAR level is and at what depth. I've seen JBNY tread on the 250 and sanjays on the 400 but what about the 175se and 150se? Asumeming that water parameter are good and clear.


Another question i have is i'm in the procese of setting up my lighting here soon. This is what I want to use and in this order. (L-R) 14k 175se-10k 150de-10k 150de-14k 175se. Would this be a good set up? thank in 36"long and 18" high. the lowest point with DSB is 14" would this be to much?

 

[joefish]

Another question i have is i'm in the procese of setting up my lighting here soon. This is what I want to use and in this order. (L-R) 14k 175se-10k 150de-10k 150de-14k 175se. Would this be a good set up? thank in 36"long and 18" high. the lowest point with DSB is 14" would this be to much?

Now this is just my opinion .


That is overkill .
just go with the 150w 10k's with actinic suppliment .

I tried using a multi MH mix and found it to be a waste .

Just my 2 cents...

 

[Mchava]

well what iam tring to get away from is having to run atinics. Since the 14k have pleanty of blue in them i was planing on just using the 10K for a fuller spectrum.

 

[NuclearReefs]

Anyone know what the zooxanthellae nm ranges that Tyree is talking about?

I believe this is around 390nm Joe.....

 

[NuclearReefs]

I found this to be rather interesting to read as well,,,, look at these variables in Par ratings below waters surface...

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/feature.htm

 

[Mchava]

WOW now that is what iam talking about. A real live test of how light work in our tanks and what kind of role the hight of the light play. Also it show what kind of PAR you get from the top to the bottom. This is what some needs to test next with all of the diffrent bulbs and ballast. Though it may be time consuming we can now see what each light works.

 

[NuclearReefs]

Pretty nice to see numbers like that tested out ehh Mchava? I thought this thread might enjoy seeing that info.....


Nathan

 

[Mchava]

your awsome any more like that?

 

[JB NY]

WOW now that is what iam talking about. A real live test of how light work in our tanks and what kind of role the hight of the light play. Also it show what kind of PAR you get from the top to the bottom. This is what some needs to test next with all of the diffrent bulbs and ballast. Though it may be time consuming we can now see what each light works.

But it's not that helpful to you and I. The amount will not be the same from tank to tank, even with the same lamps. Reflectors are different. How clean the reflector is makes a big difference. Also, the water clarity makes a huge difference with in tank PAR measurements.

 

[MiddletonMark]

It's interesting ... but having done a reflector replacement last year and being stunned by what that could do ->
We have bulb, ballast, age of bulb, reflector, clarity/organics, DE glass or SE bulb cleaning, reflector cleaning, tank braces all as variables in the mix. No wonder we have problems if we compare tanks like this.

Seems easiest just to get the PAR meter :lmao:

 

[NuclearReefs]

But it's not that helpful to you and I. The amount will not be the same from tank to tank, even with the same lamps. Reflectors are different. How clean the reflector is makes a big difference. Also, the water clarity makes a huge difference with in tank PAR measurements.

Agreed Joe,, BUt its good to show some of these people that have never been exposed to a light meter how much light levels can change from going to one bulb to another, We all should assume those water conditions in those tank would be pristine , but we dont know.Actually its all heresay,, we just chose to beleive what we view is best .