lighting for a 10 gallon zoanthid garden

[cloak]

I'm currently debating between a par 38 bulb or a T5 fixture with two 18 watt bulbs in it. (one actinic, one 10K)
I'm thinking the par 38 bulb will be intense enough to bring out some nice colors & growth, but won't cover the whole tank. (20") It will be more like a spot light in the middle of the tank. The T5's will illuminate the whole tank, but might not be intense enough to bring out the colors and growth might be limited.

I'm kind of on a budget here, so I've really only got about $125 to spend. So any thoughts or information would be great regarding these two options. I'm open to suggestions as well. (within budget) Thank you.

 

[cloak]

Here's the two set-ups on debating on btw.

http://reefbreeders.com/par_38_leds.html

http://www.aquacave.com/Aquatic-Life-20-Dual-Lamp-2-x-18W-T5-HO-Light-Fixture-P3216.aspx

 

[A. Grandis]

I'm currently debating between a par 38 bulb or a T5 fixture with two 18 watt bulbs in it. (one actinic, one 10K)
I'm thinking the par 38 bulb will be intense enough to bring out some nice colors & growth, but won't cover the whole tank. (20") It will be more like a spot light in the middle of the tank. The T5's will illuminate the whole tank, but might not be intense enough to bring out the colors and growth might be limited.

I'm kind of on a budget here, so I've really only got about $125 to spend. So any thoughts or information would be great regarding these two options. I'm open to suggestions as well. (within budget) Thank you.

Intensity of the 2 bulbs should be enough to bring out colors on zoas with the distance (20").
Do I have to answer the question?

T5s! :thumbsup:
An ATI Blue Plus and a KZ Coral Light, if only 2 bulbs.

Grandis.

 

[A. Grandis]

Here's the two set-ups on debating on btw.

http://reefbreeders.com/par_38_leds.html

http://www.aquacave.com/Aquatic-Life-20-Dual-Lamp-2-x-18W-T5-HO-Light-Fixture-P3216.aspx

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...&catargetid=1570177652&cadevice=c&cagpspn=pla


Grandis.

 

[KafudaFish]

Right now my 10 fowlr has a rapid par 38 on it and it covers the entire tank but it is not enough spread to be honest.

Possibilities:

coral compulsion par 38

fish need it 150 MH or 4x T5

aqua medic 150 MH

Each are within your price break but if you threw on a radium or pheonix bulb that is another $75 so above what you want to spend.

 

[terrypercula]

I don't have anything against T5's but I have a preference to LED's. I just like coloration under LED's more. T5's are proven and do provide a nice color and I've had T5 fixtures before and still do actually to this day but I'm much more partial to LED's.

 

[cloak]

Thank you everyone for the replies. I still haven't decided yet, but I'm kind of leaning towards the T5's. Mainly because if the two bulb fixture doesn't work out too well, I might be able to buy another fixture in the future and link them up.

Intensity of the 2 bulbs should be enough to bring out colors on zoas with the distance (20").
Do I have to answer the question?

T5s! :thumbsup:
An ATI Blue Plus and a KZ Coral Light, if only 2 bulbs.

Grandis.

As far as I know they don't sell these two bulbs you recommended for a 20" fixture. Are there any other bulb combinations that might work out pretty well? TY.

 

[A. Grandis]

Well, what would be the choice then?
Hummm…
I've got some 10000Ks with Actinic bulbs (HOT5s) in the past that I believe were not comparable to those ATI bulbs in regards to PAR and spectrum. To tell the truth, I don't think those ATI bulbs were even available back then.
I've had Hawaiian zoas and anemones of all kinds under them for years and they worked great.
I believe that if you find any good 10000K and some actinic bulbs made for reef tanks from a reputable brand, that would work.
Please do a search and let us know what did you find.
Too bad you're in a budget. I would like to suggest to get a bigger tank.

Check out Coralife T5s. At least those are available.

Grandis.

 

[cloak]

Thank you for the reply.

I'd like to get a bigger tank, but I've already got 3 in the "fish room" so to say. I don't have the space right now. I'll probably just end up seeing how these stock bulbs do with that AquaticLife fixture, maybe replace them with a better brand bulb later. Thanks again.

Here's a current picture of my tank btw.

 

[A. Grandis]

Ypu're welcome! Thanks for the pic!
I would prefer to begin with the Coralife 10000K and actinic bulbs at least, instead any stock bulb.
Perhaps you could end up having a lot of work with algae, dependig on the bulbs you currently have in that fixture.

Grandis.

 

[locogears]

I have a Current HO T-5 on my 30 gallon and it does the trick amazingly, I just need to add corals