radium 20k question

[oneradtek202]

So mark (cully) got me wondering if my 20k radiums will be okay for growth. i know they wont provide growth like a 10k but i still want my sps to grow! will these lights be okay?

my ballast is a m80 PFO hqi ballast (2x250) and im using mogul radium 20k bulbs

 

[m-fine]

Why wouldn't they be good for growth? They put out a lot of usable light with a HQI ballast, Sanjay measured about the same PPFD as a Ushio 10K on a standard electronic ballast.

Plus, there are a lot of things that influence growth other than light. Good water quality (low phosphates and nitrates), alk levels, particulate food sources etc.

 

[bosborn1]

85 PPFD....I think you'll be just fine.

I think just everyone in the SPS forum is using these bulbs....Seems like it anyways. They score only 3 PPFD lower than my Phoenix 14ks and those grow corals without a problem.

 

[oneradtek202]

ok good, i knew that they would be okay for growing, i just hope its not a snails pace growth rate

 

[bosborn1]

Theres been some recent study to suggest that some sps grows and colors better in 20k light.

I think stuff will grow just fine. Are you supplementing? With what type bulbs?

 

[oneradtek202]

no other supplementation of bulbs, not anough room. I have actinics right now that i use for dawn/dusk but i was thinking about switching them to 10k's possibly

 

[bosborn1]

VHO's or T5's?

 

[oneradtek202]

compact flourescents

 

[bosborn1]

Oh...Nevermind then.

A 50/50 bulb might help.

 

[m-fine]

A 75 is a shallow tank and you will have plenty of light (and nice color IMHO) without adding the PC's, but using them wont hurt.

There is no hard and fast rule that dawn dusk needs to be actinic, 50/50 or 10K bulbs will do dawn dusk just fine and will contribute to the light available. I would get the Radiums first and see how YOU feel about the coloration, and then select the PC bulbs to get the look you want. No need to worry about the PAR levels or growth, you will have plenty with just the halides or with any PC combo.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Re: radium 20k question

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14528774#post14528774 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by oneradtek202
So mark (cully) got me wondering if my 20k radiums will be okay for growth. i know they wont provide growth like a 10k but i still want my sps to grow!

Bad (incorrect) post-
ever see a 250w 10k Coralife bulb? They're very blue and very low output. (No industry standard on kelvin ratings.)
there's more to growth than lighting!
if you're not getting good growth with this lighting setup start doing regular partial water changes.
Don't tell cully but I think your lighting is better than his (JMO)... HOWEVER.... that doesn't mean you'll be able to grow corals better than him.

 

[oneradtek202]

i do 2 partials a week.....just to stay ontop of things haha


im telling mark what you said haha

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

i do 2 partials a week.....just to stay ontop of things haha


im telling mark what you said haha

ever get a reply? :wavehand: