Lighting for a FOWLR?

[Kaos]

I want some lights that will help my coraline to take off and that will really bring out the colors of my fish. The tank is a standard 55gal. w/ 4 NO flourescents, URI Anctinic Whites and 1 Pillips TL actinic. TIA.

 

[thebicyclecafe]

Light in the 420nm range tends to set off coralline growth. The more bluish light you have, the better it is probably. However, also keep in mind that coraline is heavily reliant on calcium, since it's a fish only, I am guessing you don't dose calcium other than the calcium that comes from water changes. A calcium supplement would help the coralline grow.

 

[CrOsSwIrE]

I put some vhos on my tank and The color comes out great. The only draw back is that I havent figured out how to take a decent pic of my tank without a blue glow

 

[Kaos]

thebicyclecafe: I have one NO actinic on there now but I'm not sure it will be enought light. I think I will dose some calcium to help the coraline.

CrOsSwIrE: I had VHO only on my last tank. I really liked the color (URI Actinic White and Super Actinic R). I don't know much about camera's, all I would do w/ mine was play w/ the settings until I got it right. It was frustrating but eventually worked.

 

[Kaos]

Do you guys think the 4 40w (160w total) URI's will be enough to get some good coraline going if I dose calcium (and/or purple up)? The tank depth to the bottom is only 15" due to the DSB. Any help much appreciated.

 

[sean48183]

I think that would be just fine for coralline growth. Coralline doesn't need much light at all. Really likes the blueish light.

 

[Kaos]

Right now I have 3 Actinic Whites and 1 Actinic. Should I switch 1 of the Actinic Whites to an Actinic to add more blue light or will one be fine? I'm not sure if I will like the color w/ double Actinics. Thanks for the response.

 

[Don424]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7343668#post7343668 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kaos
Right now I have 3 Actinic Whites and 1 Actinic. Should I switch 1 of the Actinic Whites to an Actinic to add more blue light or will one be fine? I'm not sure if I will like the color w/ double Actinics. Thanks for the response.

What does actinic white look like? Is it a combo of white and blue?

 

[Kaos]

The actinic white is a 12,000 K bulb. It's mostly white w/ just a hint of blue. I really like the color.

 

[Don424]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7350266#post7350266 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kaos
The actinic white is a 12,000 K bulb. It's mostly white w/ just a hint of blue. I really like the color.

Is it a full spectrum bulb?

 

[Kaos]

I'm not sure. It doesn't say on the package. Someone else will have to chime in to let us know for sure.

 

[Don424]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7352223#post7352223 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kaos
I'm not sure. It doesn't say on the package. Someone else will have to chime in to let us know for sure.

I ask it only because as I mentioned in another reply, Bob Fenner(Conscientious....did I spell that right?.. Aquariast states if I recall correctly, that using "full spectrum" is the way to go...........several benefits related to appearance and the algae issue.