Which Zoa/Paly...

[gofor100]

Hello Everyone,

So my question is what zoa/paly's out there look awesome without having to be under actinics or using some special camera to capture the beauty???

My current set-up is run strictly under 2 X 15,000K 250W DE MH (XM's), so it has a nice hue of blue to it, however, I don't have room in the canopy to add any supplemental actinic/t-5 lighting (hence the choice of lighting).

Thanks in advance for your help... I'm a longtime reefer, but newbie to zoos :beer:

-Chad

 

[MikeandNicole]

The zoa choice is up to you. It comes down to what is available to you and what you want to spend.

I have a 30g with 14k MH and a 45 with T5s that are not all actinic. I take pics with a cell phone camera. Take a look through my thread if you want to get an idea.
(Shameless self promotion)

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1873851

 

[mfinn]

I think you already have the lighting to make just about anything look great.
It's just about what you like as far as colors.
Some of my personal favorites are oldies like eagle eyes/whammin watermelons, radioactive dragon eyes, orange bam bams which all have great colors.

I will add,,, if there was anyway to squeeze in a small vho or t5 actinic bulb, the difference will be very noticeable, IMO.
Or even some blue leds..........

 

[gofor100]

I think you already have the lighting to make just about anything look great.
It's just about what you like as far as colors.
Some of my personal favorites are oldies like eagle eyes/whammin watermelons, radioactive dragon eyes, orange bam bams which all have great colors.

I will add,,, if there was anyway to squeeze in a small vho or t5 actinic bulb, the difference will be very noticeable, IMO.
Or even some blue leds..........

I was under the impression that many zoa colors out there will only pop under actinic lighting (or supplemental actinics), but that's great news if my 15,000K MH will do.

That's a great idea... I might put some blue LEDs in there to add some additional blue lighting, since those typically take up less room than a VHO fixture.

 

[mfinn]

The mh lighting in the 14k to 20k works best, IMO.
I use 20k radium and vho actinic to try and get the max pop in colors.
If there is anyway to do it, I really like the 454 vho on my zoanthids, but if you can't, you just can't.

The colors won't be as dramatic compared to a tank that has good actinic on it, but they won't be dull.

 

[gofor100]

Well then my thread has just become obsolete

Having said that, then I think I'll be looking for some frags of (or comparable zoas/palys):

Superman
Spiderman
Tubb Blues
Devil's Armor
Armageddon
Purple Hornet
Armor of God
Darth Maul
Raptor Rainbow
Campfire

I guess I should get started... hahaha.