T5 6 bulb recommendations for zoa growth and appearance

[kniquy]

I have decided that i would like to focus my efforts on a zoa garden. After failed attempts at keeping SPS, I want to have some success and not be discouraged.

I currently have green star polyps which are doing well. I have some zoa's (which i do not know the name of) they are brownish with an orange center and I have another zoa (might actually be paly not sure). All in all they are doing ok but i think i can do better .

I am at the point when i need to change my bulbs -- I feel my tank is visually too bright and would like to select bulb to benefit the growth of the zoa's as well as bring out the florescence -- after all we have them because we enjoy looking at them at their finest moments.

I have the 6 bulbs/3 timers (2 bulbs per timer)

Please give me your suggestions on what type/color of bulbs i should with.

For those of you really detailed any suggestions on layout of the bulbs over the tank front to back and any on/off times.

Thanks for the help!

 

[BeanMachine]

I have a 6 lamp ATI powermodule fixture... with ATI Lamps. 4 x Blue Plus, 1 x Coral Plus, and 1 x Purple Plus. I run 3x Blue Plus and 1x Purple Plus from Noon to 9pm. 1x Blue Plus and 1x Coral Plus from 4 to 8pm.

What colors are you running now?

Here is my tank. Its with my cell phone and a bit bluer than it appears in person.

 

[kniquy]

Your tank looks great! I like that color combo. I believe I have 2 12k, purple plus, 2 true actinic and a coral plus. It is much too bright and I think I want more of the bluer look. I don't think it is the best lighting for the corals.

It looks like your zoa's are doing very well. Can I pick your brain as to your maintenance and feeding/supplementation? I need some direction on where to focus my efforts. I first want to change my bulbs but I want to get into a good routine. I may have missed it so what are the stats on your tank so please do share your tank size and equipment.

I appreciate your input!!

 

[BeanMachine]

Glad to help. If I miss something let me know.

My system has about 150 gallons total. I change about 15 gallons every two weeks. I use regular Instant Ocean. I keep my alk between 8 and 9. I dose 2 part ESV B Ionic on a doser, currently adding roughly 40 mls of each. Mag I just add by hand if I test it lower than 1300. I run bio pellets in a reactor and carbon in a sock in the sump. I have a large skimmer.

I feed my fish a cube a day, alternating mysis and cyclops. I'll add some formula 2 flake, pellets, Reef Nutrition ROE... not all days I switch between those to give the fish a variety of foods. One day I'll add the pellets to the frozen, another I'll add the flake or ROE, etc.

Twice a week I'll put a few squirts of Oyster Feast and Roti Feast later in the evening.

Once a week I have been dosing 15 mls of Acropower, although I can't really tell any difference in color to be honest.

 

[Jone]

taggin

 

[kniquy]

Bean Machine -- I appreciate the info on your routine. It definitely helps to hear what goes into having a successful tank. I feel like i need to see what i want to achieve and know what goes into creating that environment. With kids and working full time it is difficult to properly maintain my tank the way it should be.