Proper Lighting for TBS Rock.......Richard??

[HowardW]

The longer I keep TBS rock and the more I think about it, I've come to the conclusion that it really requires a lot less lighting then most would think. Of course I could be 100% wrong but here's my thinking....

Consider most of the typical life that grows on TBS rock, sponges, tube coral clusters, tunicates, barnacles, coralline algea, bi-valves, etc, etc......... these are all mainly filter feeders that actually require very little light or PAR, and I can't think of too many things on TBS rock that are strongly photosynthetic that require intense lighting? Richard has also said that the rock is collected in about 20' of very turbid waters that may not receive a lot of strong light most of the time.

In addition, I've noticed in my TBS tanks the shadier areas in the tank seem to do best and much of the new life that sprouts up also seems to be in areas that get very little direct light or is completely shaded.

My guess would be that 2-4 watts per gallon of PC's or VHO's might be more then enough for 90% of the life on TBS rock and that T5's or MH's may be too intense.

So what are your thoughts on lighting TBS tanks long term.........and what do you think Richard???

 

[cowboyswife]

Mine is under Current Nova Extreme T5's and appears to be doing great.

 

[liverock]

Re: Proper Lighting for TBS Rock.......Richard??

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9521446#post9521446 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HowardW
The longer I keep TBS rock and the more I think about it, I've come to the conclusion that it really requires a lot less lighting then most would think. Of course I could be 100% wrong but here's my thinking....

Consider most of the typical life that grows on TBS rock, sponges, tube coral clusters, tunicates, barnacles, coralline algea, bi-valves, etc, etc......... these are all mainly filter feeders that actually require very little light or PAR, and I can't think of too many things on TBS rock that are strongly photosynthetic that require intense lighting? Richard has also said that the rock is collected in about 20' of very turbid waters that may not receive a lot of strong light most of the time.

In addition, I've noticed in my TBS tanks the shadier areas in the tank seem to do best and much of the new life that sprouts up also seems to be in areas that get very little direct light or is completely shaded.

My guess would be that 2-4 watts per gallon of PC's or VHO's might be more then enough for 90% of the life on TBS rock and that T5's or MH's may be too intense.

So what are your thoughts on lighting TBS tanks long term.........and what do you think Richard???

Correct.....the Gulf is dark most of the time.......once or twice a year I can see the bottom from the surface in 20 foot of water.....the rest of the time the vis is bad.....thus less light penetration...less light requirements...
Richard TBS

 

[kcbonsai_matt]

Lighting for TBS Rock

Lighting for TBS Rock

I've been lurking on various forums on Reef Central and finally found the exact topic that I just recently asked Richard about via email. What kind of lighting is needed for the critters you get on your TBS rock?

I've got a 29g standard aquarium (30" long) and am trying to plan the lighting that I'll need. It is currently a freshwater tank that I'll be converting to saltwater with 65w cf which is figure is not enough light.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[HowardW]

<<< I've got a 29g standard aquarium (30" long) and am trying to plan the lighting that I'll need. It is currently a freshwater tank that I'll be converting to saltwater with 65w cf which is figure is not enough light.

Any help would be appreciated! >>>


I've got a 25g. tall tank with TBS rock that I just run 1X65W 50/50 CF bulb with that works well for that tank. I sometimes turn on the 2nd 65W 03 actinic bulb but not always.

I used to run a 65W Sunpaq Dual Daylight and a 65W Dual Actinic bulb on that tank and it grew too much unwanted hair algae and some of the tube corals seemed to be turning white, so I ditched those bulbs.

On my 75g. TBS tank I run 4X54W T5HO bulbs without individual reflectors, and I use one UVL Aquasun and three 03 actinic bulbs and it gives a nice look to me.

I think (in my opinion) the secret for keeping TBS rock happy is good water movement and regularly feeding all the stuff that comes on the rock, and not so much worrying about if you have intense enough lighting. I think for TBS rock too little light is better then too much.

 

[kcbonsai_matt]

Thanks HowardW. That's great to hear! My TBS order probably just got about 1 month closer! I'll just have to add some lunar lights then and replace the bulb in my current Coralife!

 

[HowardW]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9531604#post9531604 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kcbonsai_matt
Thanks HowardW. That's great to hear! My TBS order probably just got about 1 month closer! I'll just have to add some lunar lights then and replace the bulb in my current Coralife!

You may want to try replacing it with a 65W 10K bulb and see how it goes.

 

[Reefer Steve]

Hmmm... I guess when I hang my 250w MH i'll have to hang it higher and slowly lower it over a few weeks?

 

[JCote]

Aside from the lighting intensity, what do people experienced with TBS rock recommend for duration - hours / day?
Thanks,
John

 

[HowardW]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9569428#post9569428 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JCote
Aside from the lighting intensity, what do people experienced with TBS rock recommend for duration - hours / day?
Thanks,
John

I generally run mine about 10-11 hrs. a day.