lighting for sea grass

[biomekanic]

I'm planning on upgrading the lights on my tank for 4x110w VHO's to 8x 54w T5's.

Would it be worthwhile to have 2x6500K bulbs, 2x11,000K, and 4x 03's? They also 3000K bulbs as well. Or would 4x11,000 & 4x 03's be better route?

 

[donahue]

I would do 3-6500k, 3 actinic, and 2-11k. now that thats all out of the way. what ar eyou doing with your 4x110 vhos?

 

[biomekanic]

Using them for a zoa prop system...

 

[piercho]

I use a single 250W 6500K bulb for a tank with 36LX18WX24D dimensions, and that is enough for seagrass and Tridacna. So I think that you certainly have the potential to put a surplus of light into the tank with your T5 setup. As far as the distribution of the spectra goes, if seagrass is your main goal, IMO the closer to a full daylight spectra, the better. I would avoid 3000K bulbs, as these are mostly yellow-orange, and not that useful for plant growth. The distribution suggested by donahue should be fine, IMO, and be a good comromise to help bring out flourescence in the coral (and hide the yellow in the water 6500Ks alone will accentuate). Good luck with seagrass, I'd suggest Manatee grass for a first try.