Hi James
<Hi Chris, see my comments within the original text.>
Tanks is a 155 Gallon Bowfront (6 feet long)
The light has 3 x 250 w mh
Thanks again
Chris
Morning crew
<Hello Chris>
I really dread asking this question as I'm sure it's somewhere in the
archives, but I have had no luck so far with my search.
I have a mixed reef (mostly lps, but working towards more sps) and have
gone through a variety of lights (went from 150 mh with pc''s to LED's
and have finally settled with a 72" Coralife 250w mh fixture with 4 96 w
pc.
The fixture that I recently purchased was used and am looking to change
upgrade the bulbs starting with the PC. Right now it has 2 x 50/50 bulbs
side by side in the back and 2 actinics in the front.
Question's are: should maintain this configuration or should I go to
straight 10,000 pc in the back and should I change from a Coralife bulb
or is there way better.
<The 10K's will likely give a slight yellowish look. I would go
with an 460nm actinic and UVL 14K's, one each in front and back.>
Again, my apologies if this is already posted.
<Chris, I would like to know your tank size (dimensions) and how many
metal halide lamps are in the Coralife fixture.
James (Salty Dog)>
Chris
Re Mixed Reef Lighting 2/20/13
Sorry about that...I wasn't familiar with UVL...I thought it was an
acronym for a type, not a model.
<No problem Chris. UVL is a company that have been producing lamps
for the aquarium trade for many, many years. Take a look here.
http://uvlco.com/
James (Salty Dog)>
rgds
Chris
Reef Lighting/Selection 8/26/12
Good Evening Crew!
<Hello Audreylee>
As per usual thank you for such a wonderful site!
<Welcome.>
I recommend it to everyone I know in the hobby! Anyhow, I am moving my
reef tank soon to a different tank in a new place and I am needing to
buy a new light. I currently have a Oceanic Biocube which was great for
getting my feet wet but now I would like to step up to a much more
serious system. My primary concern is of course lighting! I had
originally intended to just buy one of those awesome 4 bulb T5
AquaticLife fixtures that is programmable and fancy. I decided to come
here first since I was encountering many other brands while shopping. I
was hunting for your recommendation on brands (like the awesome page
with the filters, I'm getting a Rena XP3) but I found the Vita-Lite
passage. I am 100% for full-spectrum but how do you set this up for a
reef tank, especially with a few SPS? By the way I am using an older
Oceanic cube that is 21" tall. I have been inspecting the
naturallighting.com website trying to piece together how this would work
but I am skeptical that it won't be enough light for my corals. Am I
looking at buying a T5 fixture and putting Vita-Lite bulbs in it? And if
so should I do a 4 bulb fixture with all full-spectrum or do two
full-spectrum, one 10k and one actinic since those seem to be the staple
for everyone else? I know this is a complex question and piecing
together information from these sites is super
helpful but I would appreciate something a little more focused. I would
like my system to grow and mature at a reasonable pace but mostly I
would like as healthy and balanced an ecosystem as possible even if it
means sacrificing minor aesthetics and having fewer frags to trade.
<The term, full spectrum lighting relates to light that covers the
visible spectrum of light which falls between 400-700nm. Although
the Vita-Lite does a good job in covering a good majority of this
spectrum, corals do not use or need the entire spectrum of light for
their photosynthetic needs and therefore much of the light the Vita-Lite
produces will be wasted energy.
The light spectrum corals favor falls between 400-550 and 620-700nm and
is called the PUR spectrum (Photosynthetic Useable Radiation). LED
fixtures can more easily duplicate this spectrum because companies
combine LEDs of
different color temperatures (Kelvin) to closely produce the PUR
spectrum. If you decide on T5 lamps, go with a mixture of lamps.
My choice would be one dual actinic (420-460nm), one 12K, and two 14K
T5HO lamps. This will provide enough light intensity providing
your new tank is not deeper than 24 inches.>
Thank You!!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
|
LED Lighting/Reef Lighting 5/10/12
|
|
Hi,
|
|
wwm: Hello
Braiden
|
|
I am just starting my first saltwater aquarium and would like some
recommendations on LED lighting for my setup. I have a 90 gallon reef ready with
a store bought (Classic Mission in cherry finish) stand and matching hood. It is
in the living room where there is window light coming from the left, right, and
front, although there is never a direct beam of light on the aquarium (only
ambient light). I am still working on building the sump out of a used 30L
aquarium, and it will have a filter pad with bio balls,
|
|
wwm: With
live rock the bio balls aren't necessary nor recommended.
|
|
the partitions to reduce micro bubbles, and about 1/4 of it will be a refugium.
I am using a Pond Master mag 9.5 pump for the return and am planning to purchase
the AquaC Remora Pro protein skimmer with magnetic drive 3 pump. I am still
working on the sump and don't have the skimmer or lighting yet, so I don't have
anything in the tank yet, but I would like a good all around LED lighting system
that is very low work.
|
|
wwm: Most if
not all are.
|
|
I travel for work and my wife doesn't want to do more than feeding. I would like
something with timers or timer capable so I can have night lighting. I don't
know exactly what reef items I will be getting yet and I'm assuming my lighting
choice should be based somewhat on my purchases, but I would like something that
will work for most items I would place in my tank. I was also told by a
co-worker that if I can stand it, get everything running and only place the live
rock and sand in the aquarium with no fish or reef items for a few months and
add calcium often to build up a heavy base of good algae and copepods. He said
to keep the glass covered on the outside to block all lighting other than the
aquarium lighting.
|
|
wwm: The
last statement makes no sense. Why block external ambient light and then run the
lights. If using live uncured rock, I would not run the lights until the rock is
cured and ammonia levels drop to 0. At that time you can introduce a couple of
fish.
|
|
If I can get the stock of good algae and copepods up, I shouldn't have a big
issue with bad algae and the copepods should be plentiful enough to feed my
aquarium for a few days if I am on a short vacation. What do you think about
this?
|
|
wwm: I would
supplement with an automatic feeder.
|
|
If this process is recommended, are there any changes you would make?
|
|
wwm: Other
than what I stated above....no. As far as LEDs with the features you want, check
out Aquabeam. They have LED tiles that will mount in your hood and they also
have optional timers which can control both the blue and white LEDs for the
night time effect. You can learn more at www.tropicalmarinecentre.com. Ecoxotic
has LED modules that will also mount to the canopy. www.ecoxotic.com. There are
other LED fixtures available but most require suspending over the tank and you
will not be able to use the matching canopy.
|
|
Thanks for your feedback.
|
|
wwm: You're
welcome. James (Salty Dog)
|
Combo lighting MH and T5
4/1/12
Hi,
<Hello Ayre>
I am currently setting up a reef tank. The dimensions are
72" long x 30" tall x 18" width
The lighting fixtures are 15" from the water surface. There are
(2) 400 watt metal halide fixtures and (2) 4' T5's. Moon lights
are being installed now.
I want the lighting on timers to simulate different times of the
day...i.e. morning, afternoon, evening, night.
With the above combination of MH and T5's what would be your
recommendations?
<Much of the answer will depend upon the type of corals and other
invertebrate you are trying to keep. That being said, for a new set up,
start slow with the 400w MH, they are very powerful. Most people run
the Actinic T5's for a dawn to dusk purpose for 10-12 hours a day
specific to your viewing pleasure. The MH would then come on during the
middle of that period to simulate the sun at 'high noon'. I
would suggest starting slow at 4-5 hours a day and then slowing move up
in 30 minute increments as your corals adjust and settle in. The
Moonlights are at your discretion.>
Thank you very much for your time,
<You are welcome, Bobby>
Ayre~
4 bulb
T5 36" Wave Point Aquarium Light/Reef Lighting
3/15/12
Hi,
<Hello Rudy>
I have a 58 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank that I want
to setup as a reef tank.
I have never done a reef tank, only FOWLR.
I currently have a 36 inch fluorescent fixture which I know I will need
to change out.
What are your thoughts on the 4 bulb T5 36" Wave Point Aquarium
Light?
<Appears to be good quality.>
Will this light work for a beginner setting up a reef tank?
I plan on going with easy to maintain soft corals, like the green star
polyps.
<This should be fine for all softies, and most LPS corals.
Some species of SPS could be kept but they would have to be placed near
the top in lieu of the tank's 21 inch depth.>
Also, do I need to be concerned on the depth in the tank I can place
the corals?
<Only if they are light loving corals. What you plan on
keeping will be fine as far as depth is concerned. I would
replace one of the 460nm lamps with another 12K.>
I will have a refugium and Reef Octopus protein skimmer.
<Great! A good protein skimmer is a must.>
I also have live rock in the tank.
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Rudy
4 bulb T5 36" Wave Point Aquarium Light/Reef Lighting
3/15/12
Thanks for the advice.
<Welcome>
I noticed many T5 lighting fixtures offer timer settings.
How important is getting the blue lights on first and off last to
resemble sunrise/sunset?
<The sunrise feature would not concern me as long as the lights go
on in ambient light.
A sudden off in darkness can spook fish possibly causing
injury.>
The Wavepoint fixture I am considering doesn't have that;
everything goes on/off with one switch.
<Easy enough to hook up an inexpensive timer.>
Wavepoint does sell a separate blue led strip that can be mounted to
the T5 fixture that can be setup as moonlight leds.
<There are fixtures that have the blue LEDs built in to them and
individually controlled by timers. Selection will depend on your
budget.>
How important is that to the fish/corals?
<Not important for corals, for fish, as above.>
I like the Wavepoint T5 fixture because it has no fan (i.e. no fan
noise).
<I do not like that, quite a bit of heat will be emitted and
transferred to the water. My choice in a four lamp T5 fixture
with timers and LEDs would be this one.
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/AL-420036.html>
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Rudy
Lighting for the reef! 3/13/12
<Hello Pam>
I have been round and round the subject of lighting for my 75
gallon reef tank! And yes, I've read and read till I'm
cross-eyed! At that point, my ADD kicks in and I find myself shutting
down computer, books and self! Help!!!!!!!!
I have so many odds and ends, of lighting fixtures and bulbs
lying around, it's truly making me crazy!
Problem is, most of these fixtures have some sort of problem,..i.e..
wrong size, faulty fans, NOISY fans that I removed, falling apart, half
of the fixture not working, electrical?? etc,. etc!!
I know I have to bite the bullet and throw out most of these canopies,
including 4 Coralife canopies (that are beginning to have problems) and
start new!
<Yes, can also be dangerous to your health.>
I plan on having mostly inverts, corals and some beautiful macro
algae's.
I would love you, (the experts) to suggest what you consider very good
lighting that would fulfill the needs of my reef.
Preferable, under $300.00.
<Unless you have a custom wood canopy to allow a DIY retrofit, there
isn't anything out there for under 300.00 that will fulfill your
needs. And even at 300.00 you would be cutting it close.
This T5 HO fixture would satisfy light requirements
for all light loving invertebrates and is much more than 300.00.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Current_USA_Nova_Extreme_Pro_T5HO_10k_460nm_Actinics_20_Inch_T5_Fluorescent_
Light_Fixtures-Current_USA-CU01083-FILTFIT5T5-vi.html>
Thank you so much for your advice!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Pam
75 gal
reef lighting 3/6/12
Hi guys...
<And gals Mel>
I am in the process of upgrading my a 30 gal FOWLR (only inhabitants
currently are about 15 lbs of live rock, one Sixline wrasse, one maroon
clown and cleanup crew)- to a 75 gallon starter reef tank. I have
researched for months and your site has been helpful (and provided a
much needed chuckles at times). I'm all set on
biological and mechanical filtration, water circulation, etc. I
was given an essentially new 48" 4 X 54w T5 HO fixture (2
12000K HO fluorescent and 2 54W actinic w/4 bluemoon
LEDS) and am wondering if this will be enough light for mushrooms
and soft corals, if they are appropriately placed in the tank and if
so, would it be beneficial to replace one of the actinic w/a HO white
bulb.
<Should be>
or do I need to upgrade before I try my hand at this.
<I wouldn't>
Thanks so much for your help!
Melissa
<Welcome! Bob Fenner>
Re: 75 gal reef lighting 3/6/12
sweet.
<Ahh, like your name, melior-is, from the Latin>
Thanks! so should I swap one of the blue bulbs out?
Melissa
<Indeed I would. Please read here re: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/lighting/actinicfaqs.htm
BobF>
Quick
T5 lighting question
3/4/12
First, you guys have a wonderful site with tons of information. Every
time I think I may have the answer I read some more. Now for my
question. I have 125 gallon tank sitting empty and I was originally
going to go with a 72" 3x250 MH light fixture. I am looking at
having a mixed reef as the guy at the LFS called it with no interest in
clams at the moment. My local fish store recommends the ATI Sunpower
60" 6x80W T5 light fixture. My tank is 72x18x22 I believe.
<Perhaps a few inches less in depth w/ the substrate>
I noticed that with the T5 lights there is not much shimmer like the MH
lights
<This is so>
. They said I can add an LED strip to get some of the shimmer
affect.
<And this>
Does this sound like adequate lighting or will I be really limiting
what I can get with this setup.
<The proposed arrangement can/will provide sufficient photostrength
and quality to support most all life...>
Oh, and will the LEDs give
some shimmer as I like that affect. Thanks a bunch and keep up the
great work.
<Yes, welcome and will do. Bob Fenner>
112g
reef stocking / lighting 11/23/11
Hi there!
<Hello Lisa>
Love the site and spent many an hour sifting through info found here. I
greatly appreciate your time and knowledge.
<You're welcome.>
I recently upgraded my 65g reef to a 112g (kind of funky dimensions I
hear, 68" long, 16" wide, 24" deep). I have a very shy
but well behaved Niger trigger, a purple firefish, and a normal
firefish. Also a coral banded shrimp, 2 peppermint shrimp, 3 Nassarius
snails, 10 reef snails, 10 hermit crabs of various colors, and 1 sally
lightfoot crab. As for corals, I have a green star polyp rock, various
mushrooms, and a bubble coral.
I would like to add 3 Maldives Anthias, a purple tang and green
mandarin, a cleaner shrimp, an emerald crab, some various lps,
Zoanthids and a maxima clam.
Like I said, 112g tank with a 30g Sump/ refugium combo with a few small
pieces of lr, Chaeto, and Caulerpa, bubble magus nac-6a skimmer,
cascade 150g canister filter, 2 1050 power heads, and a 48" 10k
t5, actinic 2 bulb light.
N/N/A are 0, Alk is 8.4, temp is 80.
Will my setup be able to handle my fishy wish list? If no, who gets
left out?
<The Triggerfish should go, does not belong with this and future
group.>
The mandarin won't be added for about 6 months...just got my
refugium going.
I know I need better lights. I was thinking 2 30" 250w / 4 t5
combos, since I can't find 68" fixtures and there's a
6" glass support in the top middle if <of> the tank anyway.
Will this be enough light for the clam?
<The lighting would be enough but you would have three lower light
areas (sides and middle) and will have to place your light loving
invertebrates accordingly.
Have you considered having a custom wood canopy built? If so, three 175
watt halides would be better. You can then purchase DIY components and
mount the fixtures to the canopy. Two cooling fans will also be
required. Your other option would be to hang three 175 watt pendants
above the tank. You may want to consider LED lighting. Expensive to
start with, but will save plenty in utility cost and yearly lamp
replacement. Two Orphek PR156W LED fixtures would be enough light for
this system. They would have to be hung above the tank and hardware for
this is included
with the fixtures. I reviewed this fixture and the review can be found
here. Click on Winter, 2010.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/WWMDigPermanentRefPg.htm
The review was for the PR156. The PR156W is the same fixture but with
wide angle optical lenses.>
Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Lisa
Lighting Selection Question (Octagonal Tank = MH Lighting)
04/02/11
Hello Web Crew,
<<Hey Melissa>>
I value your suggestions and expertise.
<<Cool!>>
I am becoming confused regarding the proper light fixture selection for
my tank.
<<Ahokay>>
I have done too much reading and have asked too many people.
<<I see>>
My tank is a 50 gallon octagonal. At the present it is housing 2 orange
clowns, 1 brittle star, 1 yellow tail blue damsel, 1 coral banded
shrimp, 1 peppermint shrimp, 1 lawnmower blenny, and 1 turbo snail. All
get along well with live rock and a DSB (black sand).
<<Okay>>
I would like to add anemones
<<Anemones? Plural? Not recommended Differing species will not
tolerate one anothers presence in such a small volumeeven specimens of
the same species are not likely to get along unless they are clones.
Best to pick a single specimen of one of the easier species to
keepespecially if new to this>>
to the community but need to change the lighting before I proceed.
Would you be able to suggest the wattage and if I should use a metal
halide fixture instead of the fluorescent?
<<I would very much suggest metal halide lighting for this tank
shape/design. The single-point light source will provide the
penetration youre likely to need. A single quality pendant type fixture
should suffice (I recommend CoralVues Lumen Bright pendantsgood spread
AND penetration). As for wattage, I would choose a 250 w fixture for
the added versatility over a lower wattage. The pendant can be easily
raised or lowered to vary intensity as needed, along with experimenting
with different Kelvin temperatures>>
Because of the shape of my tank I am receiving mixed responses and I
trust the Web Crew.
<<I hope I have lived up to expectation>>
Thank you for helping,
Melissa
<<A pleasure to share EricR>>
Another
PC Vs. T-5 Question/Reef Lighting 1/9/11
Dear Crew,
<Hello Joe>
Again, thank you for your awesome dedication to the hobby as well as
the commitment to answer and post questions on a daily basis. I always
look forward to reading the dailies- what a treat!
<We are glad you enjoy, and thank you for the compliment.>
This topic has been covered over and over but I thought that I would
ask for your opinion on my particular situation.
I have a 54 gallon corner reef tank (mainly LPS) with a 150 watt 10K
HQI, as well as a 65 watt 10K PC retro-fitted into the stock
fluorescent fixture.
Although the retrofit is working fine, I've had it for some 7 or 8
years and it will eventually need to be replaced.
The replacements that I'm looking at are either the 2x24 watt or
the 2x31 watt T-5 (only Coralife makes that latter). The length must be
30" to fit the pie shaped tank. I've also learned that the
greater the width of the fluorescent unit, the more the HQI light is
blocked (no canopy), limiting the number of bulbs to essentially 2.
<Mmm, without knowing your tank dimensions, I'm thinking the HQI
lamp should be all that you need for your system. If you are looking
for color accent, consider a LED Stunner Strip.>
I'm assuming that 1 PC bulb will be brighter then 1 T-5 bulb of a
similar length and spectrum due to the PC's twin design, as well as
higher wattage. In your expert opinion, would either of these units be
a cost efficient way to improve my lighting or will the intensity
increase be minimal?
<Watt for watt, T5 lighting has more lumens per watt, runs cooler,
more cost efficient, and penetration is much better than PCs. Depending
on your tank depth, you may also want to consider the LED retro modules
which provide a stunning color accent and are extremely energy
efficient. Take a peek here for a few examples.
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supply/ecoxotic.html>
Again, due to the aquarium shape, I'm somewhat limited in terms of
choices (aside from upgrading to a 250 Watt HQI). I don't need to
replace this fixture now but would like to if the benefits out weight
<weigh> the cost.
Thanks so much!
<You're welcome and do write back if you have more questions.
James (Salty Dog)>
Joe
Reef
Lighting / Refugium Use 11/16/10
Dear Awesome People from WWM,
<Hello Ryan>
Hi my name is Ryan. I have so many questions when it comes to my reef
tank, and keep finding more each day. For now I will try and limit them
to two areas. The first is lighting. I will be the proud owner of a
Nova Extreme Pro 6X54w t5HO system (hopefully if my bid wins lol) this
afternoon. I've been searching your site and others such as
Reefcentral.com and thereeftank.com, but there are so many different
opinions to which combo of bulbs to use. I have a 75 gal, 48L x 21T x
18D tank with 80lbs of LR and 40
lbs of Aragonite sand. I have a custom made sump/refugium (so I
don't know the exact gal. size, but it is somewhere near 15-18
gallons. I have an AquaC Urchin protein skimmer in the first section of
the sump, then it goes to a refugium with a good size clump of Chaeto.
In the tank I have a Mocha Percula Clown, Yellow Tang, Blue Chromis,
Royal Gramma, and various inverts including a gold & brown feather
duster. For corals I have assorted mushrooms (green, red, blue, and a
hairy). The hairy is my favorite. I also have a Daisy Star polyp and
rabbit ear leather.
So my first question pertaining to lighting is proper combo of bulbs to
use on the above fixture that will increase coral health and growth.
That is my main focus. I would also prefer a clearer/whiter look, but I
do want the florescence of corals to pop. Any suggestions?
<My choice would be UVLC tubes and they would consist of one super
actinic (F54/03S), four Aquasun (F54/AQS), and one 75/25 (F54/75.25S).
This combination will give you the pop you're looking for while
still not appearing too blue. It will also enhance reds, greens, and
yellows.>
Also, once having those bulbs, would I be able to keep the full
spectrum of corals, sps, lps, soft, etc.?
<Certainly.>
I suppose placement would be key for certain ones if it is
possible.
<T5HO lighting is more intense than most folks realize providing
nearly 95 lumens/watt so less light loving corals would likely fair
better at the bottom level.>
My second question pertaining to lighting is a photo period. I want to
purchase lunar LEDS as well. I'm thinking the R2 solutions LEDS
with controller (any opinions on LED fixture?).
<Not familiar with it, but the Ecoxotic Stunner Strips offer a
choice of color temperatures and up to six strips can be daisy chained
to one controller and they are very compact.>
What kind of photo period is optimal for growth and health?
<For the T5s, I'd start with 10 hours.>
Lastly, I have been trying to find the best way to naturally feed my
tank as well as the normal frozen/flake foods I have. My refugium is
set up on an opposite photo period to my main tank right now. It has a
good clump of Chaeto and a few pieces of LR rubble, and I can see a
good amount of copepods in it as well. What I'm wondering is: What
is the best way to get those copepods into the main tank (since I'm
guessing most are staying in there and not making it through the return
pump)?
<There really isn't a best way. Eventually the population will
increase and they will slowly find themselves into the main system.
Some folks will seed the main tank with a population of pods.>
I know this was very long. Thank you so much for your time and
effort.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Ryan
Re Reef Lighting / Refugium Use 11/16/10 - 11/17/10
Hi James,
<Hello Ryan>
Thank you so much for the information. I am going to be ordering the
bulbs you recommended! I do have some follow-up questions. After the
10hr photo period with the T5HOs, do the corals benefit from the lunar
LEDs?
<Not enough to matter.>
How long should they be on?
<Your decision, doesn't really matter unless they are overly
bright which is unlikely.>
With the 10hr photo period, is it beneficial to have the
"dawn/mid-day/dusk" period I keep reading about?
<It does help prevent fish from going into photo shock if the T5s
come on in a darkened room. The LEDs would be sort of a wake up/go to
sleep light.>
Thank you!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Ryan
Upgrading from VHO to Metal Halide 11/12/10
Hello Crew,
<Hi there Dave.>
I wanted to get some feedback from you in regards to upgrading my
lighting on my 210 gallon reef tank. Currently I have
6 six foot bulbs 3 Aqua Suns and 3 454s staggered. I would like to
upgrade to the BlueLine Spacelight EX 72" fixture consisting of 3
250w(14K) halides and 4 (454) T5 bulbs. I wanted to get your opinion on
whether I should make the upgrade.
<Okay.>
There are a few reasons that I would like to upgrade to the MH
lighting, one of the being the depth of the tank. The tank dimensions
are 72X24X29. I have three six inch clams on the bottom of the tank
that don't appear to be getting the light that they need. They
seemed to have more color when they were in my previous 125 gallon reef
that was only 22" deep. I also have several different Acans and
Zoanthids that are on the sand as well. The other reason is that the
tank is mainly SPS and LPS and I have several SPS that aren't
anywhere near what their true color should be under the VHO lighting.
The SPS are mainly four inches from the top or a little lower in the
tank. I also seem to have brown diatoms only on the sand that I
haven't been able to get rid of. I am wondering if it is from the
spectrum of light that is reaching the bottom of the tank being too
weak.
<Too weak or shifted to the red end of the spectrum. For a keep
whatever, wherever in this tank I think the upgrade is worth doing. Do
consider T5 units also, many tanks this deep have great results with
them.>
My tank is built into the wall and unfortunately I only have 9 inches
of clearance from the top to the water. closer when accounting for the
fixture itself.
<A concern, you will be tight in there.>
I am concerned about acclimating my corals to the new lighting. I have
several older corals including a ten inch round Platygyra Brain that I
have had for almost nine years. I don't want to sacrifice my LPS
for the SPS.
<See: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/acclimcoralslight.htm.>
I just want to be able to keep the SPS at lower depths and get their
true growth and color out of them. My plan was to mount the fixture as
high as possible and cover the top of the tank with three layers of
screen over the top of the tank and peel off one layer of screen per
week with 5 hours of lighting and then adjusting from there. Does this
sound reasonable to you?
<Oh yes.>
Do you have any other suggestions or tips that would be better or do
you not recommend the upgrade at all?
<I would, but like I said, do consider T5s and possibly even some of
the newer high power LEDs if you have the $$.>
About my tank. Lighting has been covered already, the Actinics come on
an hour before/after the main lights. Total lighting period is 9 hours.
Temp is between 78- 80 degrees. Water flow is handled by two main pumps
1800 and 1200 GPH. They are controlled via two SCWDs and four returns.
I also have two other powerheads for dead spots, 800 GPH and 300 GPH. I
have a 45 gallon ADHI refugium with some Chaeto and Caulerpa algae and
a Red Mangrove plant. 40 gallon water changes are done weekly. I am
using an Aqua FX RO/DI system for RO water and have a dedicated 30
gallon trash can for freshwater top offs and a 42 Gallon can for pre
mixed saltwater. Salinity level is at 1.025; pH 8.1(at night); Alk
10dkh; Calcium 450ppm. I have a My Reef Creation dual chamber Calcium
reactor that keeps my CA, ALK and PH where they need to be. Skimming is
handled by an ETSS 600 XR skimmer. My tank is also located in my
basement where it stays fairly cool and have avoided the need for a
chiller thus far =))
<The cooling would be my biggest concern here. If you are already
running around 80 the addition of MH in such a tight space could very
well push you into a chiller. The usual ventilation fans to the extreme
will likely be needed here!>
Thank You for your help in advance!
Dave
<Welcome, happy reefing, Scott V.>
T5
Bulbs Question/Reef Lighting 10/31/10
Hello to all at WWM,
<Hi Benny>
I recently purchased a 24 inch Wavepoint retrofit fixture for my 29 gal
reef tank. The fixture brings 2x Sun Wave 12k and 2x Blue Wave 460. I
just changed one of the Sunwave for another Blue Wave and was wondering
if coral growth will suffer with this combo.
<Yes, too much blue. PAR values may be high with this combo, but we
are more interested in PUR (Photosynthetically Usable Radiation) values
which� will drop with this combination of lamps.>
If so can you recommend a better Wavepoint bulb combo that will allow
me to keep my sps happy and thriving.
<My choice would be three of UVL's (formerly Ultraviolet
Resources) Aquasun lamps and one actinic for color pop. The Aquasun
lamp has major peaks at 440, 540, and 600nm. This combo will provide a
higher PUR value for your corals. See UVL's Spectral Graphs
attached to this email.>
Thanks for all your help
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
T5 HO
Lighting System 10/28/10
Hello
<Hello Dave>
Hope things are well, I have written in the past and you have always
had the right answers, My 150 reef tank has 6 T% HO 39 watt bulbs 3
actinic and 3 aqua blue for a total of 6 lamps, the lighting appears to
be fine, would like to know what your opinion is on the longevity of
these bulbs and any recommendations on the height above the water they
should be placed at and any other tips you may have.
<Knowing your tank dimensions would be of much help here. I'm
trying to comprehend the use of 36" lamps on a 150 gallon tank.
Can you provide tank dimensions so I can elaborate further?>
Thank you for your time
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Re T5 HO Lighting System 10/28/10 - 10/29/10
Hello James
<Hi Dave>
Thanks for responding, my tank is 36" wide, 30 deep and 27 "
high, my T5 expel a lot of heat as my tank is built into a custom
kitchen with cupboard below to house the sump and a cabinet above the
tank for storage. I'm not sure if my lights are too strong or
incorrect,
<They are not too strong, especially with a tank depth of
27".>
they are on from 7:00am to 8:00pm and I am having some difficulties
controlling the everyday green algae. Any assistance you can provide
would be appreciated
<There are several factors that can cause excessive algae growth.
You did not mention whether you use a protein skimmer,
and/or chemical media to filter your water. You also do not mention
what your present nitrate level is, so at best, all I can do is
suggest.
Your present lighting is much too blue which makes this more favorable
to algae growth than "whiter lights" would be. A combination
of five 12-14K lamps, and one actinic would help reduce algae growth
providing all other parameters are favorable, and still give a pleasing
appearance. Do read here and related articles/FAQs found in the
header.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeconMar.htm
To answer your other questions, the useful lamp life of T5 lamps is
about 18 months depending on your photo period. As to height above
water; this largely depends on whether you have corals. If so, T5
lighting will not support light loving SPS corals if placed on the
bottom of your 27" deep system, they will need to be placed in the
upper third of the tank, and in that regard, the lighting fixture
should be as close to the water's surface
as safely possible. If you have a fish only system, I'd place the
light 6-8" above the water to help reduce heat transfer to the
aquarium.
When writing to us in the future, please follow these guidelines.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/question_page.htm
Cheers. James (Salty Dog)>
84
Gallon Reef Lighting 10/26/10
Hello
<Hi Blain>
I am going to set up a lighting fixture, buying retrofit kits and
welding up the fixture. I have an 84 gallon reef tank, 6 ft 1/2 inch x
15 1/2 inch x 17 inch (LxWxH). I was planning on getting two MH 250 W
bulbs with 4 - 3ft T5 lights to run along the front and back of the
fixture. I plan on getting a retrofit bundle with a Blue Wave 2 Dual
250W ballast, with 2 CoralVue 250W 14k bulbs, and 2 spider reflectors
with mogul socket. Haven't really research the T5 options but was
thinking about getting 4 - 50W or so bulbs.
My questions are:
Is the above type of MH ballast and equipment a good brand? Total
package is about $300. From my research it seems to be a good value but
I am still novice in reef keeping.
<I haven't heard anything negative about them. I do know the
ballast has been discontinued.>
If I am going to get the 14k MH bulbs should I make the T5 bulbs
actinic or would that be "too much blue"? Due to the already
slightly bluer tint from the 14k MH bulbs?
<Let me stop you here. With the length of your tank (72 inches), two
MH lamps are not going to spread the light over the entire tank length.
With tank depth of 17 inches, 250 watt lamps aren't necessary. My
suggestion would be to go with three 175 watt 14K halides. If
additional pop is desired, you can supplement with the very energy
efficient LED actinic stunner strips. See here. http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/EX-8010.html
>
The total wattage for the tank would be around 700W per 84 gallons, 8.3
watts/gallon. Is this a good value for a range of corals such as low
light requiring corals (mushrooms) then going up to hard corals and
clams?
<Stated above.>
Also if you have any suggestions on the T5 or other types of
Fluorescent lighting to run along the back, such as type of ballast and
wattage, I would love to hear your comments.
<My MH suggestion along with the stunner strips will provide all the
necessary lighting you will need for corals/clams. The metal halides
will provide all the PAR you need while the actinic LED strips provide
a pleasing color accent.>
Thank you very much and I have always had a great experience with your
website.
Thanks
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Blain
T5 Questions/Reef
Lighting 10/22/10
Hi Guys!
<Hello Doug>
You answered some questions for me once before and were a big help..
I've done tons of reading and ultimately am still at a cross roads
in trying to determine what to do..
My questions pertain to T5 lighting..
I am currently running Current's 67 Solana XL.. I had a custom
canopy built to match the stand and it is beautiful all the way around.
I just wish the stuff inside the tank was as nice looking as the stuff
outside the tank!
;)
<It may hinder my response not knowing your tank size, length,
width, and depth.>
I have 4 T5's tucked up under the thing and can operate any 2 at a
time or all 4...
But I just can't get the bulb configuration how I want it..
<OK>
Here's currently what I am running under there..
1 - AquaticLife 700+ 54W HO 10000k
http://www.aquaticlife.com/lamps/index.html
(Spectral Graph under the lab test results link)
<A good spectral range capable of producing a high PAR
value.>
1 - Korallin Zucht Fiji Purple (Spectral Graph at the bottom of this
page)
http://www.practicalcoralfarming.com/t5spectrums.htmla>
<Mmmm, too much red.>
1 1 - Korallin Zucht Super Blue 20000k (I cannot find a Spectral Graph
for this bulb anywhere.. Do you guys know anything of it?)
<No, but the Kelvin temperature indicates it would be very heavy in
the blue (440-460nm) range.>
1 - D-D Giesemann Powerchome Actinic+ (There is a Spectral Graph for
this bulb on the same page as that Fiji Purple..)
I currently have the 2 KZ bulbs on one ballast and the AquaticLife and
the Giesemann on the other..
This configuration does not give me a very good (actually none at all)
"Pure Actinic" type view of the corals in the evening and
that is what I am looking for..
I can switch and run the SuperBlue with the Actinic+, and the Fiji
Purple with the white AquaticLife, having the latter turn off earlier
in the evening and giving me the evening views I am looking for; and I
have done just that, but still not getting quite the result I wanted.
My question is this though.
If I were to purchase a Giesemann Pure Actinic bulb and replace the
Actinic+ or the SuperBlue and run those together, I think I may
accomplish what I am striving for, but what am I doing to my overall
light output? Am I taking away too much in the other spectrums by
getting rid of one of those two bulbs and replacing it with a Pure
Actinic? Should I maybe consider getting rid of one of the other 2
bulbs? Do I really need that White and Fiji Purple? I like how the Fiji
Purple and the SuperBlue look together, and would be satisfied with
that during the day, but is it enough? If I ran a Pure Actinic and the
Actinic+ in the evening.. I would most likely have that combination
overlap for several hours.. Currently I have my "brighter"
"white" light come on at around noon.. The "bluer"
lights come on at around 3.. The white turns off around 7 and then the
blue turns off around 10.. So I have 4 hours of overlap.. Is this sound
like a logical approach? Too much light? Too little light? Too many
total hours?
Should I just leave it all alone and add another 2 bulbs (two pure
actinic)
for 6 total bulbs and have these pure actinics just run the last couple
hours of the evening with the other 4 off...??
I'm so lost. Too much reading. Trying to understand too many
spectral graphs, Want good lighting for my corals AND want my pure
actinic type viewing in the evening.. Please help. Oh, and one more
question... If I did run two of Giesemann's Pure Actinics' and
did a 6 bulb combo... Do I need to consider the time the Pure
Actinics' are on as part of my overall photo period? Or can these
run an additional 3 or 4 hours over my 8-10 hour normal photo
period?
<The problem I see is that you want the best of both worlds. With
only a 4 bulb T5 fixture, you do not want to waste energy by using too
much blue which does little for PAR (Photosynthetically Available
Radiation) values of which corals depend on to photosynthesize. Rather
than add two more T5 lamps, I would concentrate on providing around
10-12K out of your present T5 system and add actinic LED lighting
strips as needed for the desired "pop" you want. The strips
are rather inexpensive and extremely efficient to operate, and best of
all, no lamp replacement needed, and one power supply will operate up
to six strips. Have a look here. http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/EX-8010.html>
Thanks for your response in advance! I look forward to the next time I
get to write you guys!
<Do let me know your thoughts on the above. If this isn't
something you are interested in doing, we can go further. James (Salty
Dog)>
-D-Doug
Reef Lighting
10/10/10
Hello to all at WWM,
<Hello Benny>
I love your site.
<Thank you.>
I have 29 gal reef tank its 30 inch by 12 wide by 18
tall, I was running it with 130 watts pc and changed it yesterday to a
4x 24 watt T5 HO total 96 watts. The lfs store that I bought it from
told me I can keep clams and SPS under that. Is this true? It has
individual reflectors and is really brite <bright> compared to
the PC.
<Yes, it holds true with your system. T5HO lamps are capable of
putting out 90-93 Lumens per watt which is going to give you a total of
around 8600+.
Individual reflectors will add even more to that number. As a tidbit, a
single T5 lamp produces nearly twice the light output of one standard
T12 lamp.>
Thanks in advance.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Lighting Questions If
You Don't Mind?/Reef Lighting 9/23/10
<Hello Brent>
I appreciate the time you are taking to answer my questions!
<You're welcome.>
I recently purchase the Book Of Coral Propagation by Anthony Calfo. Mr.
Fenner referred this book to me and it has been unbelievable!! Such a
wealth of information and you can really tell He cares about what He is
saying.
Upon reading and then re reading this book I have just a few questions
if you don't mind?
My aquarium is 96"x36"x36". It is made of acrylic and it
has two holes cut out on top measuring 24"x30". I plan on
placing a few lps corals such as Frogspawn, Torch, Bubble and Hammers.
A few Colt Corals and a few Montipora capricornus.
I was always under the impression that they need metal halide
lighting.
After reading the Book Of Coral Propagation it states that these types
of corals do better with fluorescents.
<Will all depend on tank depth, and you have a deep tank.>
I know that these corals could slowly be acclimated to metal halides in
time but would these corals be better off if I used T5s in a 36"
depth?
<The T5's wouldn't be too effective for corals in the bottom
zone of your tank.>
Or would you recommend 250w metal halides and have the corals slowly
acclimated to the light? Could I still place the torches and hammers in
the top of the water column with metal halides?
<With your tank dimensions, I'd go with two, 250 watt HQI
fixtures. Much more compact than the mogul based MH systems. And yes,
you could place the Torch and Hammer Corals near the top of your tank,
but not too close to the surface. Generally we will put corals
requiring more light nearer the top, and place other corals in areas
based on their light requirements. Have you read here?
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/corllgtg.htm>
Thanks again,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Brent
Lighting a New to be
reef with fish Tank 120 gal 48 x 24 x 24
9/3/10
Just setting up tank. 120 Gal 48 x 24 x 24 with 2 overflows. 100 pounds
of live rock on order, just waiting for a light to take delivery. Sump
w/three socks, 3 chambers, phosphate reactor, Red Sea Protein Skimmer
on the way. RO water used to fill the tank and sump, Corallife salt.
Water temp 74. Glass tops covering the tank.
After I put lighting on, I will have a hood resting on top of the tank.
I have been stressing out over what light to buy. So many options in
fixture or retrofit and bulbs, and so many opinions on the web. I know
the first question is what king of coral will I be keeping. The problem
is I don't know yet, and don't want to be limited by the
light.
<This is a big point to know in making this decision!>
I am drawn to the combination fixture to be mounted on top of the tank
with the legs. MH, HOT5, with LED too.
But, I fear that may be too close to the glass top or water.
<The fixture should be far enough off all with the legs.>
For a 24 inch tank should MH be 150 or is 250 necessary?
<For many corals the 150s will do. If you want to set your lighting
up to keep say SPS or clams near the bottom you will need to go
250.>
Do I need to retrofit on my hood, or can I use a fixture?
<Which ever fits your tank plans better. The light will be the
same.>
Is combination fixture better than separates?
<I like them myself. The MH can provide the main light, while either
the LED, T5, PC, etc is swappable to get the look you want. Typically
actinics are used here.>
Any recommendations or assistance would be greatly appreciated. One
more thing, my past reef experience was only with a 10 gal. Nano and
small polyps and mushrooms. That tank got overrun with red slime and I
could not get rid of that. I was told that smaller is much harder that
larger, so I started putting this 120 together, but now am stuck on
this last decision.
<You will find the larger tank easier to manage in this
regard.>
The light.
Please help.
Sincerely,
AdamG.
<Enjoy the new setup, Scott V.>
Watts Per
Gallon 9/3/10
Had a question on the Watts per Gallon rule. I've had a 30 gallon
tank setup for quite a while with a few corals, Heteroxenia and
such, along with a few anemones. The anemones are a Haitian
and bubble tip.
<It is not going to work well in the long run mixing these two in a
system this size. It is a bit on the small side for even one.>
I've just recently heard of the watts per gallon rule that i should
have at least 4 watts per gallon.
<This is a widespread, but poor rule of thumb. These need a certain
lighting intensity, increasing or decreasing the water volume around
the organisms does not change this.>
The Corals and Anemone's in my tank I've had for a little over
a year now and they're doing quite well. The Lighting I have is a
T5 strip with 2x 14 Watt 10000k lights and I have a one strip Actinic.
I wanted to know if I'm in any danger of losing anything, or if the
watts per gallon rule is more of a guide line.
<It is a very loose guideline. That being said, your light is
nowhere near adequate. See:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/anemonelightngfaqs.htm
and the linked files above.>
Thank you for your time.
<Welcome, Scott V.>
(More) Reef Lighting
08/28/10
Dear WWM Crew,
<<Greetings>>
I am trying to find the best lighting for an SPS nano reef tank that is
18"L x 18"W x 18" T.
<<Many options herebut MH is still my fave solution>>
Would a 70 watt HQI metal halide work for this setup?
<<Probably As long as you dont go too high on the Kelvin scale
and stick with a 10,000K or even a 6,500K bulb. But If you go with a
150w MH you could likely do well with a 14,000K bulb if you want more
blue to your lookplus there would be a wider assortment of reflectors
available (a well designed reflector can make a world of
difference)>>
Would this fixture work if the tank has just LPS?
<<Indeed it wouldthough you will have to experiment some with
placement (height over the water) and Kelvin temperature depending on
what you keep>>
Thank You.
<<Quite welcome EricR>>
Re: (More) Reef Lighting 09/04/10
One more question, would a 150W HQI Halide work for an SPS tank that is
a 40gallon breeder?
<<It can, yes, with thought given to - maintaining water clarity,
livestock needs and their placement in the system, bulb color (Kelvin),
reflector type/quality and its distance above the water surface, et al.
EricR>>
light for reef
tank 8/12/10
Dear Crew,
<Hello Igor>
One more time, thank you for all information on your web.
<Thank you for thanking!>
Every morning I print a few pages and then, during lunch time, I read
them.
<Me too! With a nice strong coffee>
This time I have a question about my light. I read all pages but still
can not figure out what light will work for me. I have 75 G tank with
six 65W PC. I learned from you, that penetration of PC is about
12". My SPS and Maxima clams on a top of my rocks are doing just
fine. However I have Trachyphyllia on my bottom, about 22" from
water level. I think they don't have enough light (slowly getting
less bright).
<Is the coral expanding normally? Maybe the coral is
adapting>
I feed my corals 3 times a week with home made preparation ( Borneman
"mix" :)
<You can often substitute light with extra feeding... as long as you
keep on top of the nutrient export>
Thanks to you my NO3 is about 5 (thanks to you I upgraded my skimmer to
Turboflotor1000). CA 450, Po3 0.5, <This is very high, perhaps due
to this food mix, and could be a factor.. high phosphate can inhibit
calcification, thus stressing Scleractinians
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php#5>
no No2, SG 1.025, Mg 1280.
Please advise with set of T5's will work for me.
<Yes they will. T5's are marvelous, but I am surprised that 6 x
65 PC's are not enough.. are you changing the bulbs every 6
months?>
I can not use MH because of canopy.
Thank you very much.
best regards,
<Sincerely>
Igor
<Simon>
Re: light for reef tank 8/14/10
Hi Simon,
<Hi Igor>
Thanks for your fast reply.
<Okey Dokey>
I have my Trachyphyllia for more than a year. Now it seems ok,
expanding normally and eating well. At night I can see its tentacles.
But 3-4 months ago I had to move my Lobos and Trachyphyllia about 3-4
inches higher using LR. They were not doing well (losing some tissue,
color, expanding less). I cut the rock flat with a handsaw, then
smoothed with a file to create kind of acceptable base and avoid
irritation of a soft tissue during expanding. All this makes me think
to upgrade my light to light the bottom of my tank better. The top of
my rockwork is good. The SPS are growing like crazy.
<Ok, but are you sure there was nothing else that you changed at the
same time that could have helped the coral recover?>
So please tell me if possible, what setting of T5's will be at
least equivalent to my PC's (I change the bulbs every 6 months). I
really would like to have my Trachyphyllia back on sand.
<Go for a fixture with as many bulbs as poss. for your tank &
decent reflectors. Be sure to carefully acclimate your animals and dont
just chuck the new light on.. read on WWM re>
I started my tank about year and half ago, and then much much later
discovered your outstanding website. Before, the only source of info
was a local fish store... I created a "beautiful" garden
reef, mixed all kind of coral ( multiple mushrooms on a bottom, Galaxy,
Frogspawn, Lobo, Trachyphyllia, Duncan, Acans, Blastomussa, Chalice,
Paly, Zoas, Green Star Polyp, Goniopora ( was born and survived in my
tank) #
<wow, as a hitchhiker?>
, Acropora, Montipora, Seriatopora.. in 75 gallon tank!!!. And too many
fish too... I slowly moving toward getting just one group, but it is
hard to give away such beautiful creatures. So far ( so far ;) ) my
reef is doing well thanks to your directions.
<Thats good news>
Even such a simple thing, how to mix water, I learned here, hehe. It
takes a lot of work and money : 10-15 g water change twice a week,
change Chemipure Elite twice a month,
<You would need this with such a mix>
checking water chemistry 2-3 times a week, additives, cleaning,
feeding... But I LOVE what I am doing ( so far ;) ) It is my second
full time job.
Regarding PO3.
<PO4>
I use RO/DI water, running Chemi-pure Elite, Rinse food well before
adding into my tank. I will try to get a new test kit. May be the
reading in not correct, or possible I'm little bit color blind. I
did not pay attention to PO3 just because I got water testing in the
fish store, and they said that PO3 was fine.
<You should always test yourself, and 0.5 is far from fine. You need
to test/ fix this before you do anything else>
So sorry for such a long message, wrong spelling or grammatical
problem. English is my second language.
<You have done very well, I do not have a second language so you
have done far better that I could have!>
Again thank you for your advice.
<Pleasure>
Igor
<Simon>
Lighting Questions
(livestock selection, Kelvin vs. PAR, etc.) 08/04/10
Hello -- hope you love your job -- 'cause I've got
questions!
<<We are pleased to be of assistance>>
I have a 125g display tank in which I'd like to keep some SPS
corals.
<<Okayand a descriptor (SPS) that can prove rather ambiguous when
trying to determine environmental requirements>>
I now have a CR <<Calcium Reactor>> and keep the KH at 9 or
10 and CA between 420 and 440 day in and day out. Now, I want to ensure
my lighting is sufficient. I realize not all SPS require the same
lighting
<<Indeedthough many/most prove to be very adaptive in their
requirements. But much of the time these requirements are more for the
coral keeper rather than the coral itself. For instance, the
requirement for a coral to produce bright color is not necessarily a
requirement for the coral to liveor even to thrive>>
-- but perhaps you could recommend some that will thrive with my
lighting: 3x150w MH + 4x96 Dual-Actinics (Outer Orbit fixture). The
light is about 6" from the surface of the water.
<<The Kelvin or color temperature of the bulb can/will have a
large impact. A lower Kelvin will generally produce a higher PAR (given
bulbs of the same wattage and similar lumens). Reading ahead I see you
are using 20K bulbs. At 150-watts, on this system, I think these will
limit your ability to keep some of the higher-light loving
Acroporidsnot that you cant keep them alive, just that they wont be as
spectacular, as indicated earlier. Green Pocilloporids and Montipora
will probably do fine, but the pinks likely wont color-up too well
unless very high in the water column, if even thennor will the German
Blue M. digitata. I suggest you either increase the wattage of the MH
fixtureor more simplyreduce the Kelvin temperature of the bulbs (10K
would be my choice here)>>
I also was wondering if there is a correlation between Kelvin and
PAR?
<<Indeed there is Among bulbs of the same wattage lower Kelvin =
higher PAR>>
By the way, I have not measured the PAR value in my tank -- I hope to
do so in the next week if my local reef club will loan me a PAR meter.
I currently run 20K MH bulbs and have been thinking of trying some 14K
bulbs next.
<<A good solutionbut I feel a change to 10K (for what you are
aiming) would be best>>
I do replace them every 12 months.
Thanks for your time to reply,
-gene
<<Happy to share EricR>>
55 Gallon Mixed Reef
Lighting Question - 7/03/2010
I recently upgraded from a 29g to a 55g tank.
<What, no hello? No offer of free food? I'm hungry! ;)>
My lighting system consisted of 96w T5HO 36w, T8NO, and 28w T5 NO which
altogether still only covers half
of my new tank. My question is this I can either afford a 30" 250w
MH fixture that also has 130w power compact actinic supplementation, or
I can buy a 48" T5 fixture with four 54w T5's.
The four footer would cover my tank better
<Unless you suspended the halide>
but would it keep my Birdsnest and LPS alive?
<Depends partly on placement...both should do fine>
Also If the metal halide is the better option, my tank has a plastic
strip on the top of the tank right in the middle can I cut this out so
I can place my metal halide in the middle without it blocking all of my
light?
Or is this some kind of support that keeps my tank from exploding?
<I'm not going to recommend you start dicing away at the
tank's bracing...it's likely there for a reason>
It does not feel like it has much tension on it but I thought I should
ask anyway. Once again I humble myself to
ask your opinion.
<It's always a better idea to purchase lighting for the animals
you intend to keep, not "for the tank". If you intend on
purchasing more SPS, then suspending the halide might be a better
option, and then you can place LPS on the sides of the tank if you
decided to keep a mixed reef. If you intend mostly on LPS/softies, or
want a more uniform lighting, go with the T-5 (just make sure they have
individual parabolic reflectors)>
Thanks for all you guys do!
<Anytime>
Zach.
<Mike Maddox>
Upgrading Lights/Reef
Lighting 6/29/10
Hello again,
<Hello Zach>
I am currently running 2, 24w T5 HO actinics, 2, 24w T5 HO 12K's,
with 2, 14w NO T5 actinics, and two 18w NO T8's with 10k's on
my 29g reef system. I am thinking of upgrading to a 250w metal halide
with two 65w
actinic pc's. My inhabitants are 1 Birds Nest Coral, 1 Hammer
Coral, a few candy canes, Green Star Polyps, assorted false corals, and
a few Zoanthids.
I want to keep some more SPS corals and maybe a clam. My question is
would my current lighting work or should I splurge and buy the metal
halides.
This is a small tank and I dont want to burn everything and make fish
stew so any input would be much appreciated.
<Your current lighting array is fine with the exception of all those
actinics wasting energy
and doing little for photosynthesis. Replacing two of the T5 HO
actinics, and one of the T5 NO actinics with 10 or 12K lamps will
greatly increase your PAR value which will benefit light loving corals
and clams. James (Salty Dog)>
R6: Reef Setup
Critique 06/13/10
It's been a couple hours since I have emailed you guys so I guess
it's time to bug you again.
<<No worries Mike>>
Onto the lighting...the tank has a canopy with 2 VHO's (I'm
going to run actinics on this) and 3 mogul sockets for 400W metal
halides.
<<I hope there is some means of venting air/heat from this
canopy>>
What brand bulbs do you guys like?
<<Often, what you pay for is what you get Some bulbs worth
looking at include offerings from Ushio, Hamilton, Phoenix and
Aqualine-Buschke (not necessarily in that order). Im currently trying
out the CoralVue ReefLux 10K bulb and thus far consider this my fave
among 10K bulbsbut it is still early in the testing>>
Being that I have actinics would you recommend 14k or 10k?
<<A multitude of factors at play here (do peruse WWM re), not the
least of which is the planned stocking of this system. Generally my
preference would be 10Kmore natural appearance, better
PAR/penetrationbut if this tank is not going to house high light
requiring organisms the 400w 10K may prove to be too much; considering
the close proximity of the bulbs to the waters surface
determined/limited by the use of the canopy, in which case less potent
14K bulbs may prove more appropriate for the organisms being
kept>>
Thanks,
Mike
<<Happy to share EricR>>
R7: Reef Setup
Critique 06/14/10
Eric, Should I downgrade to 3 x 250W MH's or maybe just 2 x 400W on
each end of the canopy?
Mike Z
<<Hi Mike I would keep the number of bulbs over this 6 tank to
three. And if I recall accurately this will be a mixed reef so 250w
bulbs should be plenty strong enough (again, many factors can affect
this e.g. bulb type/brand//color temperature, water clarity, reflector
quality, etc.), even with the less than optimum reflectors I would
expect to find in a canopy installation. Organisms with high light
demands can be placed higher up in the water column and or more
directly beneath the bulbs. The lower wattage bulbs would certainly
help with energy consumption, and may also help with heat gain.
EricR>>
55 gallon reef set-up,
stkg., lighting f's... 5/19/10
Hey Crew hope this find everyone well,
<I'm a bit blurry from IPA sampling ayer>
My wife and I have been keeping fish only saltwater aquariums for about
5 yrs, and now we are setting up our first reef. It's a standard 55
gallon 48" by 13" x 20". So far we've set the tank
up with 60 lbs of sugar fine aragonite, and a Marineland T5 HO Deluxe
Strip light that has 4 - 54watt bulbs. Two Marineland Daylight bulbs
and two Actinic bulbs giving a total of 216 watts of light.
<I'd ditch/replace at least one of the actinics...>
The 60 lbs of sand seem to be giving in about 2.5 to 3 inches of sand
bed.
We're planning to added between 50 and 70 lbs of live rock over the
next month to form the back bone of the filtration along with a protein
skimmer.
After the tank has cycled and been stable for at least a month we plan
to start adding animals slowly at 2 to 4 week intervals.
The only fish we plan to add are 1 Clownfish, 1 Royal Gamma, and 1
Firefish.
<Mmm, do read on WWM re the Grammatid and separately Firefishes...
these are often incompatible in such small systems... and Microdesmids
really are social animals... depending on species, should be kept in
twos or more...
not singly>
Coral wise we are wanting to keep a Colt Coral, Pulsing Xenia, Colony
Polyp, Candy Cane Coral, Frogspawn Coral, Hammer Coral, Fox Coral, and
a Brain Coral.
<Then I definitely would be reading re Actinic light, switching
out... for more "white">
Plus a Derasa Clam,
<This animal may need more light in particular... perhaps a
"spot" pendant can be arranged, shined down on it>
and some Cleaner shrimp.
Our questions: Are we heading in the right direction and will our
stocking plan work? If not we're open to any and all
suggestions.
<Do take the time, enjoy reading re the animals you list here... on
WWM, elsewhere... Take good notes, and do write back if you have
further questions, concerns. Bob Fenner>
Thanks,
Anthony
Re: New Setup,
Lighting 4/23/10
Hi,
<Hello>
Thank you for your help. Since I only can use a fixture about 16-inch
wide (my tank is built in the wall), I have the following options:
1) 48 inch 6x54W Sunlight Supply Tek Light High Output Fluorescent
Lighting Fixture
2) 48 inch Current USA Nova Extreme 8x54W T5HO with 4 WHITE Lunar
Lights (LOUD FAN? QUALITY?); comes with Bulbs: 4x54W-10,000K Daylight /
4x54W-460nm Actinic
3) 48 Inch 6x54 Watt AquaticLife T5 HO Light Fixture w/ 4 BLUE LEDs; it
comes with three 48" T5 HO 54W Actinic / Blue Lamps, three
48" T5 HO 54W 10,000K Lamps, and four 1W Lunar LEDs.
Currently I have only soft and LPS corals but in the future I would
like to have some giant clams and some SPS corals.
<Might be worth investigating MH fixtures to give you more stocking
flexibility.>
My tank is 2x2x5
Could you please tell me which unit would work best for my tank and
which you would recommend?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH,
John
<I have not used any of these models specifically, I do have a
Current USA fixture I use for a freshwater planted tank and am happy
with it, although the fan is a little loud. I would check out some of
the bigger forums/BBs to get opinions on these specific models from a
wide range of users.>
<Chris>
Re: New Setup, Lighting 4/23/10
So I would be better off with something like this?:
3 x CORALVUE SE 175W FINISHED PENDANT COMPLETE RETRO KIT
[LBP-175KT]
http://www.reefspecialty.com/Lighting-Complete-Retro-Kits-and-Pendants/c14_2
9/p214/CoralVue-SE-175W-Finished-Pendant-Complete-Retro-Kit/product_info.html
<That is probably a better way to go long term than PCs then
deciding you need to upgrade your lighting for new livestock.>
<Chris>
Lighting/Reef Lighting
?? 3/15/10
Good day crew,
<Hello Chris>
I have a 155 gallon (6 foot bow) that I am slowly turning into a reef
(that's the plan anyways).
My suspended light contains 3 x 175 20k mh and 2 vho actinics I am
currently running the lights for 12 hrs per day with my refugium
running opposite.
Problems & Questions are:
1) I currently have a glass lid on top of the tank. I have removed the
back plastic strip in an effort to allow evaporation. Would you
recommend removing the entire lid?
<No, what for, what is the problem you have?>
2) The light is currently situated approx 16" above the
glass...Should I increase this distance? If so, how high up should I
go.
<What is the reasoning behind this?>
3) Should I be reducing the amount of time that the MH are left on?
<I think 12 hours is a bit much, may want to drop it down a couple
of hours. Again, I haven't a clue as to why you want to do
this.>
4) Would it affect my tank in any way if I was to remove one of the
actinics and replace with a full spectrum (Makes the room way too blue
when only the actinics are on).
<As long is the unit is capable of running one light.>
Please advise your thoughts.
<? >
Thanks
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Chris
Yet Another Redundant
Lighting Question 1/31/2010
Hello Crew,
<Hello M.D.>
Once again I am faced with a decision only your years of experience can
help me make. OK, maybe I'm pushing it but I would appreciate your
advice.
<Ok>
My peninsula style 100 gal reef aquarium is currently illuminated by a
pair of 250w 14000k DE Ushio bulbs mounted in Lumen Max 3 reflectors,
bulbs parallel to the long sides of the tank. These are quite large so
to simulate dawn to dusk lighting I only have room for a pair of
36" 39W T5 14000k bulbs within the canopy.
<I would have had one of these at 20000K>
The canopy is fully enclosed but well ventilated and places the bottom
of the fixtures 12 1/2 " from the water's surface. This
arrangement works well enough but I would like to see more fluorescence
from some of my corals.
My plan is to replace the 14000k T5 bulbs with Geissmann pure actinics
but this would eliminate the dawn to dusk effect.
<Why? Can't you use the T5's for this anyway? To get more
colour you could play around perhaps with one purple (pure actinic) and
one blue (20000K) here>.
To compensate I plan to add an additional HQI fixture to the canopy
which would fit nicely between the two Lumenmax, the bulb perpendicular
to the long sides of the tank.
<Ok, but this will mostly light just the centre of the tank, not all
the way along like the T5's, but could look nice>
Here then, is my question. Should I use a 70W or a 150W bulb here? The
actinics and the additional halide would be on simultaneously primarily
for evening viewing after the 500W of primary lighting is off. Energy
conservation dictates 70W but I don't want the tank's
illumination to vary too much at this time of day from the current pair
of 14000k T5's.
<If this is purely for a visual 'dawn/dusk' effect then the
70W might be more relevant. If you are hoping to get some
photosynthetic benefit as well, then you will be better off with the
150W, although this will be brighter>.
I realize this is a minor concern when compared to some of the horror
stories you deal with on a daily basis but I would appreciate your
input.
<No problem at all>
Thanks,
M.D..
<Simon>
Upgraded <reef>
Lighting 1/27/10
Good Morning Crew!
<Hello Jeanne, James here with you.>
Hope this finds you all well.
<I'm fine.>
I've asked some odd and as of late often antagonistic questions of
you in the past,
<Is no problem, is what we do.>
so I thought I might be able to glean a little bit of useful knowledge
from you this time around. :) James might recall a few correspondences
discussing a 55g of my fathers that I've been working with him on
over the past year.
<I do recall/recognize your name, but as to the individual query, no
cigar. I've likely answered 3000+ queries in the last few years and
placing individual queries with names would be nearly impossible. Your
place of employment does stand out as my brother-in-law retired from
Stryker as VP of Finance (Kalamazoo Headquarters) and now resides in AZ
along with the rest of my wife's family.>
This question is in regard to this system which for the rest of you has
almost completed a 180 in terms of health and I'm happy to report
the success of keeping a small colony of Zoanthids happy in the
tank.
<Great.>
Not an enormous feat for many of the reef keepers across the world, but
for this particular system... think of landing on the moon for the
first time. I believe the biggest part of that particular success is a
few weeks ago the lighting system was upgraded from regular fluorescent
lighting to 216w of T5 (2x white; 2x actinic) + blue led
moonlights.
<You've found the missing piece of the puzzle.>
Since adding this new lighting system there has been an expected algae
bloom in the tank. Diatoms are whisked into the water column almost
daily in an attempt to keep things clean, most rocks have a
'healthy' coating of filamentous green algae of some sort
(hair?) and a few patches of bubble algae have been spotted also.
<Ah, nutrient levels need to be controlled. Do you use an efficient
protein skimmer and/or chemical medial?>
The photoperiod has recently been scaled back to compensate and
we're awaiting results from that adjustment before taking other
measures such as a few more snails, maybe a lawnmower... Anyways, my
questions today is that since the implementation of the new lights
there has been an explosion of bubbles coating everything (rock,
gravel, glass, all underwater equipment), and I'm not sure what to
think. My theory is that the new light has increased photosynthetic
activity in the algae and that the bubbles are the resultant oxygen
accumulating, another theory we've discussed is maybe nitrogen gas,
but I don't have a way to test it other than patiently waiting for
a bubble to surface and seeing if it catches on fire with a lighter.
:)
<May want to grab some sand/gravel and bring to the surface to
smell/detect hydrogen sulphide.>
Seriously though, is it something to worry about? Is this an indication
something is wrong (ex: too much dissolved gas in the system; something
breaking down) Should we continue to blast the bubbles in hopes that
things stabilize (which is/has been a daily thing and most days could
be done 2-3x just to keep things clean)? Just hoping for some insight,
the only thing I could find on bubbles was microbubble subjects from
skimmers and such.
<Since this coincides with your new lighting, and all animal life is
fine, I would carefully continue to observe. Nitrogen gas bubbles
generally form on the surface of the sand/gravel bed, not the entire
tank. Have you tested for nitrates recently? Is possible that the more
intense lighting and an excess of nutrients may have something to do
with this, as in excess CO2 being produced from the sudden increase of
photosynthetic activity,
<<? O2, RMF>>
or the timing of the events could/may just be coincidental. Mr. Fenner
may also comment here with his vast store of knowledge/experience.
James (Salty Dog)>
Jan Dodes
Re Assorted SW
Questions/Reef Lighting 1/26/10
Thanks for the rapid reply James!
<You're welcome, Drew.>
Regarding my tank being fully stocked, do you think it would be unwise
to add a Flame Angel or C. argi as well? Just to make absolutely
sure.
<Your tank's length and width are not suitable for these
fishes.>
Good to know about my clowns' behavior, I'll try out the
Chemi-Pure, and I'll take your advice on the Pistol Shrimp. Thanks
for these replies.
<You're welcome.>
I'll stick with the 14k on the MH, so now I'm looking into some
additional actinic supplementation. I've been looking at the
various LED's, like the one you mentioned, and I've been having
a hard time finding good accounts
as to whether they will be noticeable through my 250W MH? What would
your thoughts be on me using a Current Nova Extreme 2x24 T5 fixture
with an 1 ATI Blue-Plus and 1 ATI True Actinic as supplementation to my
MH?
<If you already own this fixture, then yes, use it. Otherwise, it
will be more economical to use an Ice Cap LED tube which sells for much
less and will not generate a noticeable amount of heat into the system,
something you may want to think about, especially with the use of the
250 watt MH.>
Thanks again!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Drew
Lighting/lighting
articles, SW, Cnid.s 1/9/10
Hello Crew!
First, I hope this is not too long winded! I am going to purchase a new
lighting system for my new setup (using an old light fixture right now,
PC 260 watts) and of course came here to read about lighting. I do seem
to find some conflicting information in the lighting articles
though.
<Mmm, to be expected... they span some four decades of writing, and
present more than one person's input>
For instance in this article it states nothing more than normal
fluorescents are needed and the other technologies are 'way over
the top' (not a literal wording, just the message):
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/lighting/index.htm
<Very olde>
Perhaps that article should be labeled as a dated piece like this
one:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/lighting/fixtures.htm
<Ah yes. Good idea>
So all well and good if I consider those two outdated, and I consider
this article: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marlgtganthony.htm
This makes no mention of T5's, so I am guessing it is a bit dated
as well?
<All are dated... some not as much>
Of course if I knew more I would be glad to help, but I am learning
quite a lot every time I visit the site.
<Good... and please note. Re such "gear" questions, it is
strongly advised that you read the current bulletin boards re the
more/most recent choices, and actual end-users (hobbyists) input
re>
So this leads to my real question(s!); I have a 75 gallon tank,
48" long x 21" deep, with a water depth of 14" to
15" (considering water level and sand bed). I currently have:
BTA (Entacmaea quadricolor)(settled itself at the bottom of the
tank)
Zoanthids & Palyzoas (scattered in depth, bottom to high in the
tank)
'Cabbage' leather (Sinularia dura)(mid-high in tank)
Monti Cap (Montipora capricornis)(high up in the tank - growing
well)
Frogspawn (Euphyllia divisa)(mid-tank - growing a new head)
Candy Canes (Caulastrea echinulata)(mid-high in tank)
Ricordea yuma (high in tank)
Would you have any recommendations on my placements?
<I would not more any of these presently. I would take special care
to observe the behavior of the BTA every time you view the tank. It may
well have "troubles" with your other Cnidarians over time
here>
I would like to be able to keep a clam or two.
<Could be done>
As stated earlier, my current lighting system consists of a 4ea 65 watt
PC fixture, 2 actinic bulbs and 2 10K bulbs. Is this enough light for
what I have and what I potentially want to have?
<Mmm, yes. Is sufficient. Perhaps not "ideal" or maximized
in effect, practice, but suitably bright (intense) and functional (in
light quality)>
I am considering purchasing a 6 bulb 54 watt T5HO fixture to replace my
current setup. I really do not want to get a metal halide setup if I
can avoid it due to energy costs and heat (although common thinking may
be incorrect that T5's use less power per lumen and generate less
heat than metal halides?).
<This is so>
Any recommendations are very welcome.
Thanks in advance for your answer.
Helmut Fritz
<Thank you for your intelligent discourse. Bob
Fenner>
Re: lighting/lighting
articles 1/9/2010
Thank for the reply. Would it be more optimal to go with a 6 bulb T5HO
(324W) fixture vs. my current 4x65W PC fixture?
<Yes>
I know in the end it is lumens and quality, but the T5HO's are
supposed to be brighter (could be a subjective term there based upon
bulb color though).
<The lower "T" technology is progressively better... in
terms of light quality and cost per value>
Are there any T5HO bulbs that replicate a full spectrum (like those old
Vita-Lite Supreme's)?
<Mmm, some that come very close>
Most of those I have seen are concentrated in blue and 10K and 6500K.
If not, what mixture would be recommended?
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/t5self.htm>
In addition, is it beneficial to run the moonlight LED's at night?
Some or all of the time?
<At night alone IMO/E>
And in the comment below on the T5's using less power per lumen and
generating less heat doing so, were you agreeing with that comment (I
believe you were!) or stating that common thinking is incorrect and
metal halides and T5HO's are fairly equivalent?
<The T-5s are superior in terms of useful photonic energy produced
per quanta of potential consumed... and "produce" much, MUCH
less waste heat.
Metal halides are more/useful for deeper systems, situations where cost
per function is not "so" important, and their lights
shimmering "looks" are desired>>
Sorry if I did not get it the first time around!
<No worries. Clarity is pleasurable>
Would you recommend one system over the other? MH vs. PC vs. T5 (in
consideration of my current reef keeping desires)?
Thanks again!
Helmut
<For you here... the T5s. BobF>
|
Hi,
I wanted some help if possible! I have a 3x2x2 marine
aquarium that has been running for 4 months. Ive a 150-watt
metal halide light and also 2 blue tubes with reflectors. I have
a few soft corals and a rose bubble tip anemone. I am doing the
Berlin method system with live rock and protein skimmer but I
wanted to add another 150-watt metal halide light but was wanting
to (know) if that would be too much lighting for my aquarium. I
have spoken to a few marine shops and some say yes add another,
and some say no it would be too much. What do you think?
Ive attached a picture of my tank for you to see, thanks
again
From Alison
A. What a lovely aquarium you have Alison!
It is apparent you have done your studying concerning proper set
up and arrangement of the components here. To respond directly to
your query, yes, you could have another 150 watts of Metal Halide
light here but this is a qualified yes or at least a yes with a
proffered explanation.
I would like to ask you in turn if youre aware of the
consequences of doubling the lighting here? Principally, the
issues of increased metabolism and its related effects on water
quality, your maintenance And the generation of waste heat,
increased evaporation And lastly, the increased cost of operation
of another 150 watts per hour of the proposed added fixture? Lets
elaborate on each of these.
The rates of physiology of fishes and invertebrates are directly
linked with temperature, and for photosynthetic life, with the
availability of PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation)
Increasing one or the other will boost the metabolism of your
livestock and its use of foods, soluble biominerals increasing
wastes and possibly undesirable algal growth. The worst scenario
is if something were to go wrong in the system, the boosted light
would make things much worse, much more quickly. Do you want to
take this risk?
Having more heat, light will definitely add to your rate of water
evaporation, likely much more than doubling the current rate. Do
you want to top off daily? This may be necessary. And is
increasing the humidity in the house an issue now? It will become
more so.
Are you charged with the electrical cost for this tank? The
operation of the lighting is very likely the single largest
expense. Please take a look at your electric bill there will be a
stated charge for cost of power by the kilowatt hour (the
equivalent of running one thousand watts of consumption for sixty
minutes) It is easy to calculate the direct cost of all
components, by their measured or stated consumption levels
I would propose that if you do want to increase your light
intensity, that you look into switching out the current fixture
for one of 250 watts instead of adding another 150 and if so,
that you grade the increase in intensity here by using sheets of
flame-proof screening (such as that used for gardens), removing a
layer every few days, to prevent burning your livestock.
Otherwise, if this were my system, I would not increase the
lighting for all the reasons stated above. It is lovely and fully
functional as it is, and adding more light would really not be of
great benefit Instead it might well shorten your livestocks
lifespans, and greatly increase your maintenance Aspects that Im
sure wed both rather not address.
Cheers, Bob Fenner
|
Lighting Question/Reef
Lighting/Selection 12/17/09
You guys run a great website that has guided me greatly through the
last five years of my reefing hobby.
<Why thank you, Ryan, glad you are learning/enjoying.>
I have never run a tank over 40 gallons in that time. However, I have
upgraded to a 165 gallon tank (8' long x 21" wide x 19"
deep) with a 60 gallon sump/refugium.
<A great size.>
I want to keep SPS, LPS, Softies, Zoos, and most importantly Deresa,
Maxima, and Crocea clams (I wish to have the clams in the substrate).
My question is about lighting. I am debating between having 4x175 watt
MH with 2x96 pc actinic, 3x175 MH with 2x96 watt pc actinic, 3 x 250
watt MH with 2 x 96 watt pc actinic, or a 250 watt MH on one side above
the SPS and clams and 2 x 175 watt MH and 2 x 96 on the other side
above the LPS and
softies. Which one of these setups (or another setup that you would
recommend) would be best for the wide range of species that I want to
keep? And, what Kelvin do you recommend (mostly thinking of the
clams)?
<I would go with your first choice, 4x175 watt MH with 2x96 PC
actinic, and I would use 10K lamps.
James (Salty Dog)>
Re Lighting Question/Reef Lighting/Selection
12/17/09
Sorry about writing two emails, but after sending the last one I
thought about it and realized that I should elaborate more on the
Kelvin question.
What I meant to say is that I would prefer to use 14k (because I assume
that that Kelvin will show the color in the clams and corals better).
So, will the coral and clams be healthy with the 14k or do I really
need to go with 10k?
<I would go with the 10K lamps, less intensity is wasted and you
should get a good amount of color with the two actinics providing they
are staggered.>
Thank you and sorry for the two separate emails,
<Not a problem, and you're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Ryan Lundstrom
Re Lighting
Question/Reef Lighting/Selection 12/17/09
Thank you very much. I am very impressed with the quickness of your
replies. I will do what you recommended.
<Do keep in mind that this is my opinion, other peoples opinions can
be different. I just feel that the 10K lamps are a better light source
for SPS and clams, and do not waste intensity. I have switched over to
Ice Cap 10K lamps some time ago and I did see an improvement in my SPS
growth. You may be interested to read part of an email I received from
Steven Pro, VP of sales at Ice Cap. "Although I will say that the
amount of blue in a 10,000 K lamp is something that is not universally
well understood. When looking at the spectral chart of our 10,000 K
versus 14,000 K versus 20,000 K lamps (or that of other respected
companies such as Ushio for example), there is
no more blue in the 20,000 K lamps. In fact, all three color
temperatures have the exact same amount of blue in them. The way
manufacturers get a lamp that appears more blue is not to add more blue
to the 20,000 K lamp, but to remove the green, red, and yellow from the
lamp." With that said, it is the green, red, and yellow that our
shallow water corals and clams benefit more by than the blue.>
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Ryan Lundstrom
Saltwater Transfer and
Reef Lighting 11/27/09
Hi,
<<Hello>>
I enjoy all that your website has to offer and have read many helpful
articles. Fantastic website!
<<Thank you We are happy to know you find the collective efforts
here of benefit>>
But, after hours of research I am coming up short on a few
questions.
<<Okay>>
Hope you can help.
<<I have my moments [grin]>>
I've got a question on saltwater transfer pumps.
<<Ahh>>
I am trying to transfer saltwater from my Brute trash can in the
basement to my 90 gallon display tank.
<<I see>>
I have 12 ft of vertical and 15ft of horizontal piping all in
3/4'' ID vinyl tubing.
<<Mmm The diameter used, and tendency of this material to
collapse just from the weight of gravity, makes your project more
difficult. I suggest re-plumbing with PVC pipe (the flexible variety is
fine if you wish, as it will not collapse like the vinyl tubing) with
an inside diameter of 1, preferably>>
I tried my Rio 3100 submersible pump which will get it upstairs but
will only trickle into my sump.
<<Indeed These pumps dont handle head-pressure well at
all>>
Are there any pumps or methods that you could recommend to get my
pre-made water up to my tank so I dont have to carry buckets?
<<Yep I use two very similar systems to transport both pre-made
saltwater to my display, as well as filtered freshwater to my top-off
reservoir. I have a vertical lift of about 10 with a horizontal run of
about 25 and use Mag-Drive 18 submersible pumps plumbed to 1 flexible
PVC. This make/size pump works very well for me and one would probably
serve your situation too, especially if you upgrade the plumbing. I
would also very strongly suggest you install a contact-switch to
operate the pump at the point where the water terminates. This is a
simple spring-loaded push-button switch that must be pressed and held
to operate the pump. This is a bit of extra electrical work (extending
and routing the pump cord along the plumbing route), but doing so is
the absolute best way to NOT flood your floor with this automated water
transport system. Installing such a switch means you have to stand and
watch the vessel/tank fill while pressing the button and activating the
pump. Once the desired amount of water is transferred, you release the
button and the pumps stops. This also happens should the phone ring,
someone knocks at the door, or some other distraction occurs, and you
walk awayget the picture?>>
Also while I'm asking, I have a problem with lighting. My tank is
made out of acrylic and the tank hood measures 47 1/2'' wide
which makes finding a suitable light to fit very difficult. To make
matters worse my hood is about 6"deep.
<<Mmm, yesnot easy to work with aside from maybe a DIY T-5
system>>
I like the looks of my oak top and would like to keep it in addition to
reef lighting. I am currently using a cheap 2 lamp 36" Coralife
fixture until I find an upgrade. I would like to try fluorescent
lighting due to heat and space confinements.
<<Fluorescents get hot too, especially high-output unitsyou will
still need adequate ventilation>>
I am very new to reef keeping and would be happy to have an anemone for
my clowns as well as some very beginner corals.
<<Do research WWM re our cautions and reservations with such
systems (water quality issues, mixing sessile and motile inverts,
etc.)>>
The tank measurements are 48"x18"x24" but like I said
the hood only allows a 47 1/2" work space.
Any Info would be a huge help.
<<Do check out online the available retro-fit T-5 HO lighting
gear available. You should be able to find something you can make
fit>>
Thanks in advance,
Doug
<<Happy to share Eric Russell>>
Re: Saltwater Transfer
and Reef Lighting 12/04/09
Eric,
<<Doug!>>
Thanks for all the helpful info.
<<Quite welcome>>
I'm taking your advice on the Mag 18 pump, piping, and
switching.
<<Excellent You will find the Mag-Drive pump to be a big
improvement over the Rio unit>>
Im glad you shared your experience on how to transfer saltwater.
<<Was my pleasure>>
I'm sure it will prove to be a real money/time saver.
<<Ah yes! I do 50g water changes at a time and have even
semi-automated draining of the display (I turn a valve and the water
drains to the sewer system)hauling buckets to drain and refill was not
a long-term option [grin]>>
As far as the lighting is concerned, I think I will try a 36"
6-lamp T5 HO fixture made by Current, the Nova Extreme Pro.
<<Okayshould serve fine>>
I have an open back on my aquarium top combined with the fans on the
fixture and maybe some additional fans should keep it cool enough (I
hope).
<<Indeed>>
I will do more research on your site before putting in corals.
<<Very good>>
Once again, thanks for taking time to assist me in my reef
adventures.
Doug
<<Any time my friend Eric Russell>>
Reef Lighting
10/15/09
Hello.
<He Terrence>
I need help in regards to lighting a SPS tank. I am setting up a
standard 75 gallon tank, 48x18x20. I have a 150 watt HQI setup from a
previous tank that I took down when I moved. I am trying to figure out
if I should buy another one of these fixtures and run 2, 150 watt or
upgrade to two 250 watt systems. I would like to be able to have SPS
close to the bottom and also plan to have a clam or two.
<Two 150 watt HQI lamps should give you enough light providing you
go with 10K lamps. The 10K lamps will give you more PAR value than
bluer lamps and are better appreciated by SPS corals and clams.>
Thanks in advance,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Terrence
Basic Reef
Lighting/Reef Lighting 9/18/09
Dear Crew,
<Vlad>
I don't know what I would do without your wonderful website and
fast responses.
I have 55g with LS, LR, and skimmer. I would like to make it a reef
system.
I can't afford to buy a $500+ system plus electric bills. So the
few questions are:
Will black or chrome fluorescent shop light from Lowes with two GE
Sunshine(32W 2800 Lumens, CRI 86, 5000K each) bulbs allow me to keep
soft, hard corals and clams?
<No.>
If not, with the setup above can I keep any of the above mentioned
species?
<Nope.>
What do I need to add to the system above (of course at reasonable
price) in order to keep these species?
<You would be much better off looking for a fixture that uses T5
lamps.
They have close to twice the intensity as T12's and are much more
energy efficient.
I do suggest reading here and linked files above.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marlgtganthony.htm>
Can I place the shop light directly on top of open aquarium or perhaps
on top eggcrate?
<If a glass top is incorporated into the system, yes. Definitely not
recommended placing over open water.>
Thank you for your answers.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Lighting A Frag
Tank/Reef Lighting 9/3/09
Greetings WWM,
<Jimmie>
I'm in the process of setting up a 4' x 2' x 12" frag
tank. It will be primarily SPS, I was thinking of buying a friends old
Sunlight Supply Maristar metal halide/T5 fixture. My only concern is
that it is a magnetic ballast which can be rather heavy and loud.
<Mmm, the Maristar fixtures come with dual electronic ballasts. Your
friend's fixture must be an old one. All ballasts operate on the
magnetic principle, the electronic ballasts incorporate special
circuitry to electronically control power to the lamps which makes them
more efficient.>
I've also heard they can interfere with radio frequencies if not
properly shielded.
<Nonsense. I can set my battery operated radio on top of my
non-electronic MH ballast with no RFI noted.>
Another fixture I'm intrigued by is the Aquatic Life HID/T5
fixture. I understand the "spotlight" reflectors are popular
in Asia and Europe.
I'm concerned with the lack of fans or any par tests. Have you any
experience with these fixtures ?
<This fixture's internal electronic ballasts work in conjunction
with a special aluminum housing to help dissipate heat away from the
fixture without the use of fans, and, this fixture is not designed to
be enclosed. As far as my experience with them, I have none. Would be
better to post this question on one of the reef forums where you will
get feedback from actual users of this fixture.
James (Salty Dog)><<Well done James. B>>
Lighting/Reef Lighting
6/28/09
Hey Crew,
<Hey Carter>
Once again, thanks for the truly amazing and helpful job you do.
<You're welcome.>
I'm searching for a little guidance here. Any words of wisdom would
be very much appreciated.
I've had a 26 gallon FOWLR for a while now, and decided I wanted to
upgrade to a larger reef tank. So, I went out and purchased a 55 gallon
tank and a set of Nova Extreme Pro 4x54 watt HO T5 lights.
Long story short, the tank wasn't even through cycling yet and it
started leaking (from the bottom where I couldn't get to it). So, I
returned the tank and got a nicer brand. For just a little more money,
I ended up with a 75 gallon tank.
It didn't cross my mind until I got home that lighting was likely
going to be an issue for me now.
<Because of increased depth?>
That's where my question comes in...
Would Zoos/Star Polyps/Mushrooms/Leathers do ok under 2.88 watts per
gallon of T5 HO with individual reflectors?
<Should be fine here. Compared to standard fluorescent light, you
are likely closer to 4 watts
per gallon.>
What about a frogspawn or torch? I do have a set of 2x65 PCs that I
could put on there too, but that would look kinda dumpy, and I'd
have to get new bulbs for it.
<Frogspawn and Torch Corals require medium to high light
intensity.
Keeping these corals at the upper level of the tank should give them
the light the require. Keep in mind that these Euphyllia species are
very aggressive as to allelopathy.
Do read here
for more info in these corals.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/caryophyllids.htm>
Anyway, any input would be greatly appreciated.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Carter
Lighting, Reef
6/25/09
Hi WWM Crew!
<Hello Dan.>
So, I've just set up my 135-gallon tank. I've got the rock and
substrate in there, got the skimmer all set... Now I'm working on
lighting.
I have a closed 6-foot long hood that has this pesky support brace in
the center that would prevent me from putting a full-length light. Thus
I have a 36-inch area on each side to work with. I would like to keep
fish,
anemones, and corals.
What would you use? I was thinking of two 380-watt fixtures (mixed
metal halide/power compact) -- one on each side.
<This can work, it will leave some shadows/dark spots in the tank
though (some like that look).>
Would you suggest something different?
<I have installed lighting for a few of these tanks over the years,
I would go with T5s on a tank configured like this myself. You will
save money on powering the lights, cooling and get an even spread of
light throughout the tank. And you can keep anything with these you can
with MH!>
Thanks
Dan
<Welcome, Scott V.>
Re: Lighting, Reef
6/25/09
Thanks!
<Happy to assist.>
How much total T5 output would you use?
<I would personally shoot for 400 watts or so for a "keep what,
where you want" type of system.>
Do you have a couple favorite brands?
<Not really...kind of a controversial subject, big reflectors vs.
individual reflectors. My take and end experience is the light ends up
reflected down for the most part anyhow. If you have a canopy do look
into the "retrofit" types of kits. These can be had for about
half the price.>
Dan
<Scott V.>
Lighting set
up 6/4/09
Dear Crew,
<Hi there Eric>
Thanks for all the info so far, site is great as always! Just a quick
question, I picked up a 48 inch light fixture from Sfiligoi (Infinity
XR4, got it second hand... great deal!), and I was just wondering what
kind of
tank it would work to light. It has 2 x 250W metal halides (10,000 or
14,000K) and 4 T5 lights, at 54W each. I've always wanted to do a
bowfront tank, I was just wondering if this would be sufficient
lighting to light up say a 175 Gal bowfront (72" wide), with the
hope of doing SPS and clams?
<Mmm, yes.... such an arrangement of lighting and lamp types could
work on up to a six foot wide, two foot deep body of water... for the
types of animals described>
Or would it not be wide enough?
<I think it would be wide enough... and actually rather
attractive... perhaps mounted a bit off-center, the more "light
loving/needing" organisms placed more directly underneath the MH
areas>
Would I have to stick to tanks 48" wide?
<Mmm, wouldn't have to stick thus>
Thanks a lot!
Eric
<Welcome in kind/sufficiency. Bob Fenner>
T5 Compaq combo?
5/5/09
Reef Lighting
Hello Crew,
<Hello William>
I'm completely confused by the mixture of info and lack of numbers
to judge by when dealing with light bulb types, and I could use your
help (and please correct me if I list something as a fact that is
actually wrong).
<OK>
I have a 72 gal bowfront tank, which is 48" long by 13" deep
by 24" tall.
I also have the Coralife (Oceanic) 48 " deluxe light with Compact
Fluorescents. It comes with 2- 24", 10k, 65 watt bulbs and
2-24" actinics (which I assume are 65watt as well), for a total of
230 watts of lighting.
I've been told this isn't enough for sps.
<Would be borderline for most light loving SPS corals, but there are
a few species this lighting could support. Most etailers will list
light requirements for species of corals they sell. In your case, based
on the depth of your tank, corals requiring "moderate" light
should survive in your system.>
I've taken LUX readings with the CF (don't have a par meter
yet). Just below the water surface it's 5800 LUX , and my sandbed
is at 1300 LUX. I converted LUX to PAR (but I haven't found any
listing for the compact florescent coefficient to use so this is a
guess) and get something like 116 at top and 26 at the bottom.
<Photosynthetically Active Radiation, often abbreviated PAR,
designates the spectral range of solar light from 400 to 700 nanometers
that photosynthetic organisms are able to use in the process of
photosynthesis.
This spectral region corresponds more or less with the range of light
visible to the human eye. Since we use lamps of the proper Kelvin
temperature, I would be more interested in LUX values rather than PAR
values for our purposes. I might add not to confuse lumens with Lux.
Lumens is the total amount of light that a lamp is capable of
generating, usually available on either the lighting package or from
the manufacturer's data sheets. There are two values usually quoted
for fluorescent tubes: initial lumens and design lumens. Initial lumens
describe how much light it produces when first turned on. Design lumens
describe how much light it will produce for a much longer term. After
an initial 20 percent drop in brightness, the light output will slowly
decrease over the lifetime of the tube. Lux is a unit of measure equal
to lumens per square meter or, a measure of the actual intensity of the
light falling over a specified area.
Because Lux depends on how the light gets from the bulb to the area, it
can not be specified by the manufacturer, but must be measured by the
aquarist.>
I need to bump my lighting in the tank. I want to add a single strip T5
HO fixture. This housing will be 3 inches wide, which is all the real
estate I have left to sit a light on top of the tank. I estimate this
new light will cost me around $140.
So here's the problem.
I can't figure how much more PAR this will add to the tank, and
therefore whether it's worth it. I don't want to waste money by
adding a light that really won't be felt, but I don't have the
ready cash available to buy a whole new lighting system. I don't
understand how to judge watts to PAR <Watts has nothing to do with
PAR. The watt is used to specify the rate at which electrical energy is
dissipated, or the rate at which electromagnetic energy is radiated,
absorbed, or dissipated.>
between Compaq's and T5s and MH. Any help?
<If keeping SPS corals is your goal, I would wait till you have
enough cash to replace the unit with a twin 150 watt HQI lighting
system. Adding an additional T5 lamp for 140 bucks would not be a good
investment.>
From what I've read, the new T5 HO's are just as good as
MH's these days.
Is this true?
<Yes and no, will depend on the depth of tank and number of lamps
used. In shallow tanks such as yours, the T5 HO is a good way to go. I
personally like the look of metal halide lighting.>
If so, how do you judge how many bulbs you need? As I stated my tank is
48" long, 24" tall and 13" deep.
And lastly how do Compaq's compare to T5 HOs straight up?
<The T5's, in my opinion produce a larger light distribution
pattern and produce more lumens watt for watt.>
Are 2, 24" 65watt 10k Compaq's equal to 1-48" T5 HO?
<No, we are comparing 130 watts to 54 watts.>
Are the CFs 1/2 as strong as the T5 HO?
<I don't believe to that margin, again, watt for watt.>
Are compacts equal to the older T5s?
<Likely close, but the T5's have an edge on efficiency.>
These are the kind of facts I could use right now.
<I suggest you read here and related articles/FAQ's.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marlgtganthony.htm>
Thanks.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
T5 or MH 4/4/09
Reef Lighting
Hi :)Hope all is well with you folks :))
<Still kickin'>
My tank specs
52"x30"x18" (LxHxW)
Substrate is 4"-5" DSB so the actual depth of the tank would
be 23"-24".
Further, the water column is only 21" since the top 3" is
occupied by the brace.
Photosynthetic life I look to sustain (some already existing in the
tank)
* Leather coral
* Zoanthids
* Mushrooms
* Palythoa
* Moon/Pineapple coral
* Xenia
* Bubble coral
* Turbinaria
* Fungia (disc corals)
* Montipora
T5 seems to be quiet popular with reefers.
I was wondering if replacing my current 2x150W MH with 4x54W T5 is a
good idea.
<I would not, you are only reducing the wattage by 84 watts, and
trading off excellent
lighting for corals/clams and just to save a few watts, isn't worth
the change, yet alone the cost of
the new lighting at $350.00 a pop plus shipping. Would be a long time
before you would recover the
savings on your utility bill to make up the cost of the new
lighting.>
The fixture I had in mind is the Giesemann Razor.
http://www.reefdepot.com.sg/AddProduct.asp?ProdID=1070
I would be using 2 of these and a line of high power LEDs (DIY) in
between both Razor units to get a bit of shimmer lines :)
I need to change my existing light setup due to HEAT. Room reads 40
degrees
C with existing 2 MH and the chiller.
This is causing a vicious circle where the chiller runs more to reduce
the temperature and throws more heat in the air and back again. All
this totals to higher electricity bills.
<Are you running cooling fans in your hood? Is necessary and will
help much in keeping the tank
temperature down and reducing cycling of the chiller along with adding
more life to the lamps.>
The whole point of thinking of T5 was because it will not generate heat
more than standard NO tubes. Am I correct in this assumption or am I
way off?
<Watts produce heat, no other way to look at it. The T5 platform
just provides more
lumens per watt, but they are still throwing off 54 watts of heat per
lamp.>
I plan to screw the Razors to the top of my hood and put regular 8mm
glass below them.
The distance between the bulbs and the 8mm glass would be half an
inch.
The glass would be left open in the ends (short sides) to allow
airflow.
Each of the Razor units would have independent 8mm glass panes below so
I can service them independently.
End result, the bulbs would be 4"-5" above the water column.
Would this be ok considering the above livestock?
<It likely would be fine. The most light loving corals may have to
be placed at the mid level of the tank.>
Do I really need to have cooling fans with the Razor units (since they
are in a closed hood)?
If I need cooling fans, which option would you suggest?
* 6 CPU fans above
* 4 CPU fans above pulling OUT air and 2 CPU fans (one on either
side)
PUSHING in air.
* 2 extractor fans
"http://www.cataindia.com/Fan-X-Mart-Matic.php"
model X-MART MATIC 10. I would hook these up to a thermostat so they
would run only when the temperature would get to 40 degrees C.
These are high powered ones that are rated [ by the company :) ] each
to ventilate a 10x10 room.
The fans would be mounted on top of the hood in the middle such that
they pull air from the enclosed tubes which would get air flowing
through the open side.
Please can you have a look and let me know what you think.
<Ah, this tells me you are running no cooling fans, not good, and is
not helping your problem. If it were me, I'd go with two Ice Cap
fans and mount so the air is blowing in, providing your canopy has an
open back, and most do. The Ice Cap fans come with a temperature sensor
that regulates the speed of the fan in proportion to the heat it
senses. Use them myself and they are virtually silent. See here.
http://www.icecapinc.com/01/fans.htm
As to your lighting idea, I think your money would be better spent
investing in two Ice Cap Electronic Ballasts, and along with the fans,
would be much less than the cost of the T5 system you are
contemplating, and should save you some money on your utility bill. The
maximum current required for this ballast to drive a 175 watt MH lamp
is 1.56 amps. They will also extend your lamp life, and the lamps tend
to run a little cooler with electronic ballasts. The ballast can be
found at the above link.>
Cheers
<Ditto. James (Salty Dog)>
Ranjith
Re T5 or MH 4/4/09
Reef Lighting
Hi James
Thanks for the pronto response :)
<You're welcome.>
I am running two 6 inch exhaust fans in the current setup.
They are both pulling air out.
The hood is not open from behind.
<Are you also drawing air in from the sides of the hood? You need to
be able to draw air into the hood while exhausting warm air out. Simply
said, the air in
the hood needs to be exchanged.>
The problem is where I live!!
The ambient temperature is 41 degrees C in the day and 35 at night.
This is summer so will drop in 2 months but only by 5 degrees
respectively.
<Where do you live, in Arizona or the Gobi Desert.>
When the MH are on they heat the water and the chiller needs to cool
the water and thus adds to the heat.
<I do understand.>
One can't even remain in the room to enjoy the tank :(
<Unless one wants a sauna bath.>
That is the reason why I wanted to get out of MH.
Are you saying T5 will be no different?
<Oh, there will be some difference, but I'm thinking not enough
to warrant the expense. Have you considered an energy efficient air
conditioner for that room?
Even keeping at 32C would be much better than 40C.>
At present I have the MH 3-4 inches above water level in a wooden
canopy/ tank cover.
There are 2 exhaust fans 6" each running when the MH come on.
They are attached near the MH and the canopy top is cut to fit
them.
Basically, the hole is sized to slip the fans through and they vent the
air pulled.
Standard setup.
My question is, will any kind of ventilation to push air out of the
room help since the ambient temperature is so high ?
<Exhausting the air to the outside is an idea running through my
mind, but I think it might be difficult to make it a decent looking
set-up unless aesthetics are not a problem in this room. I'm
thinking along the lines of a clothes dryer set-up. I guess if you flex
hosed it from the back of the canopy down and to the outside would be a
fairly clean looking install.>
Please help. I can buy one light setup and want it to work.
Staying away from clams or acropora is not a problem.
Just need a solution for the heat.
<The T5 system will help, but I'm wondering how much of an
effect losing +/- 90 watts would be. I'm hoping my
mentor/protégé will chime in here as I am not comfortable telling
someone to go out and spend near $800.00 on lighting without being sure
this is going to be a solution or even a drastic
improvement to your heat problem. The least expensive fix would be
venting the warm air to the outside. That I feel would help you very
much.>
Cheers
<And to you my friend. James (Salty Dog)>
Ranjith
Re T5 or MH 4/4/09
Reef Lighting
Hi
Sorry I missed one more question
Why do people say T5 runs cool??
<Maybe they mean the term like LL Cool J:)
Likely because it does put out more light per watt than NO/HO or VHO
lamps.
I'm going to contact Steven Pro at Ice Cap lighting. A while back I
was attending a Marine Conference in Detroit and was talking to Steve
about the T5 system and he did make a comparison as to how many T5
lamps would be needed to obtain the same light output as a 175MH, but
do you think I can remember, nope. I will send this along to him and
get his input.
Wait a minute, would be much better turn around time if you did
this.
Contact Steve here.
[email protected]>
Cheers
<Ditto my friend. James (Salty Dog)>
Ranjith
Re T5 or MH
4/5/09
Reef Lighting
Hi James
<Hello Ranjith>
The current MH needs to be properly setup anyways, as I have to buy the
pendants and change my copper ballasts anyways.
<OK>
The bulbs I use are 20 dollar bulbs I found at the hardware store
(lucky find) they don't last more than 8 to 9 months.
Thus I don't mind spending a bit (500 dollars max) now.
However, want to spend it on the RIGHT hardware :)
Yes I plan the exhaust fan approach.
Nothing cleverly DIY but getting the electrical guys to cut my window a
bit and setup the exhaust.
However, will this really help is what I wonder.
<It will help in keeping the tank temperature down, but obviously,
your chiller is still going to be needed.>
Reason is that due to a heat wave, the temperature outside the house is
40+.
<Yikes, James, make a note never to visit Ranjith unless he has
plenty of ice cold beer..>
So whatever air comes in will be not much cooler than that being
vented.
<Bingo, but the hot air in the hood will always be vented out thus
helping to keep the tank temperature down and thereby keeping the
chiller from cycling as often as it does now.>
As an option, I am looking at LED lights. I came across a LED torch
that runs off three 1.5v batteries. This has an amazing throw of 20 to
40 feet. Basically able to have a clear spot on the next building wall
30 feet away.
I think the lenses they use are the key.
<Am thinking so. I use LED flashlights and am amazed at the
intensity they produce.>
Am I being dumb here?
<Don't know yet.>
They retail for half a dollar a piece.
I tested this on my Zoanthids and saw 70% polyp extension as I would
with my MH.
If I got enough (100) of them wired close together AND supplemented
with one razor unit, do you think I would even come out even ?
<Bottom line is knowing what the Kelvin temperature of the LED's
are along with lumens intensity measured at your water depth.>
That way I need to spend 50 dollars for the LED light and 200 dollars
for the razor.
I asked one electrician to wire a sample of small size to test it.
What experiment would you suggest to verify the effectiveness of
this?
<If the Kelvin temperature was proper...between 6500 and 20,000, the
next step would be to find an electrician with a LUX meter with a
waterproof sensor to measure the light intensity of this rig, at the
bottom of the aquarium. Even if it is small in size, placing the sensor
directly under it would give you some idea whether this would even be
feasible.
PFO Solaris markets LED fixtures designed for reef aquariums that are
powered by LED lights .
They have been getting good reviews lately, but are rather expensive.
I'm thinking they are in demand for people in climates like yours,
as two sites I visited were out of stock or backordered on these
fixtures. Your last option would be to have a fish only system with non
light loving invertebrates, and go with using the DIY LED's.
I cannot offer you any more options. Based on your climate, there will
be an expense keeping the temperature down, now it's time for you
to choose the route you want to go. You may want to read a review of
the Solaris system here.
http://www.miniaturereef.com/Solaris%20H4.html>
Cheers
<Ditto my friend. James (Salty Dog)>
Ranjith
"Moderate"
lighting??? Also, an Anthias question for you... 03/27/09
Hey there, Crew!
<<Hiya Crystal!>>
So I've driven myself crazy with reading through the lighting FAQs
and the low-moderate light corals FAQs.
<<Have you now>>
I am still doubting myself that I have the "right" amount of
light that I need.
<<Oh?>>
I have a 75 gallon Tenecor with approximately (guessing) 100 lbs. of
live rock, live sand, skimmer in live rock filled sump, yadda, yadda,
yadda. It's been up and running for five years with minimal
stocking (have a love for tiny fish like gobies and blennies) so
it's all sorts of stable and a very happy place to be a fish.
<<Cool>>
Here's the lighting question that I'd like an answer to -- even
if it's only a personal opinion with no specifics (as I've
learned that most "facts" of this addictive hobby are):
<<Indeed>>
One 96W Actinic PC
One 96W 50/50 PC
One 96W 10K PC....all over a 20" tall tank.....would you call this
"low" or "moderate" lighting?
<<Hmm Considering that two-thirds of the bulbs are Actinic and
50/50, I think this is in the bottom-half of the moderate scale (make
sense?) and likely ideal for many of the Corallimorpharians and other
organisms with similar lighting requirements>>
As in I can feel comfy making a home for mushrooms (especially
Ricordea), zoos, and MAYBE even some LPS's that state
"moderate" as the lighting needs?
<<Ah, yes Corallimorphs (as stated) and Zoanthids (though some
Ricordea and Zoanthid species also do well/color up nicely under more
intense lighting) should do welland for suitable LPS specimens I would
look to the genus Plerogyra (Bubble Corals) and some of the Red Colored
open brain species (red pigmented specimens seem to do better/have
lower light requirements than green pigmented specimens)>>
Now for the Anthias question. Since my love of gobies and blennies and
a Jawfish, oh my, has left me with a tank that does not have a whole
lot of action from across the room.
<<Mmm, indeed Sounds like a tank that spends most of its time
watching you [grin]>>
I've had my eye on adding an Anthias. GORGEOUS!
<<Agreed, though these fishes pose certain obstacles. Many
species are difficult to feed, most all are easily intimidated by other
fish, some species just dont do well in captivityandbeing haremic in
nature, most species require others of their kind for their long-term
physical and psychological wellbeingwhich makes the size of your tank a
limiting factor here as well>>
Understand that they can be shy at first but eventually will swim
around once they are comfy.
<<This is not a certaintydepending much on species selection and
environment>>
And I think the fish I have are lovers, not fighters.
<<Many are relatively peaceful toward other fishesbut not when it
comes to conspecifics. These fishes all utilize aggression to maintain
their sense of order among the social group>>
The particular Anthias I'm interested in and can't seem to find
all that much info/opinions about is the Ignitus Anthias (Pseudanthias
Ignitus) or Flame Anthias.
<<Mmm, yeshas not been often seen in the West I think (and thus
not documented), though it seems to be turning up more
lately>>
Both the male and the female are awesome in coloring and I'd only
be looking to get a bachelor or bachelorette. What, if any, opinions do
you personally have about this fish?
<<From the little I have read/know, it seems this Anthiine
species may be on par with Pseudanthias bartlettorum (Bartletts
Anthiaswhich by the way, would make for a good alternative species
here) re hardiness, ease of feeding, suitability to captive care I also
think this fish will fare much better in a group than as a single
specimen. Do consider a trio (male and two females)though if your tank
is as lightly stocked as it sounds, four females and one male of this
small Anthiine species might prove to be a better numbers>>
Hardy, shy, easy to feed, likes long walks on the beach and getting
caught in the rain -- oops, not that one.
<<Hee-hee!>>
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
<<You have' em>>
As always, thanks so much for any and all anecdotes and I look forward
to hearing from you...
-Crystal
<<A pleasure to share Eric Russell>>
Opinions on lighting.
Reef, t-5 lamp sel., colour 02/23/2009 Hi crew,
<Hi Marc, Mich with you tonight.> Looking for a quick second
opinion. I have a 75 gallon tank with LPSs and assorted soft coral.
<Ahh! Sounds nice! I like seeing tanks that aren't dominated by
SPS's.> I have 220 watts of t-5 lighting, right now I have one
10k, two 18k and one 6500 bulb. I'm looking at changing the bulbs,
do you think the combination I have now, or 3 6500 and one actinic bulb
would have more useful light for my corals? <I would not go with 3
6500 unless you are planning on doing a planted marine tank.> Or the
same, <The same is fine, but if it was mine, I would go with at
least 2 and perhaps 3 of the 10k. The lighting is more full spectrum
and you will get better growth on your corals. I would not do the 6500
unless you have an interest in growing sea grasses or ornamental algae,
and if you do, by all means go for it!> just preference? <Of
course your own personal aesthetic plays a part as well. But I say more
10k!> Thanks again, <Welcome!> Marc <Mich>
Reef Lighting, incl.
fluor. lamp sel. 2/19/09 Dear WWM Crew, <Rusty> I
having trouble determining if the fixture I have will work for my reef
tank. I plan to get a 6'x2'x2' 180 gal aquarium that I will
be making into a reef tank containing moderate light corals. The light
fixture I have is a 72" T-5 HO fixture with 8x80watt bulbs. The
bulbs are the Giesemann brand and I have four blue actinic and four
50/50 daylight bulbs. I recently bought a LUX meter to test the
intensity of my lamp. I placed the meter on the floor and held my lamp
2 ft. above the sensor and I only got a rating of 3,200 LUX. I fear
this may be too low since natural sunlight produces about 10,000 to
20,000 LUX and even the low to moderate light corals have a saturation
rate of 5,000 to 6,000 LUX. Are there any other 60" T-5 bulbs that
have a higher output than the brand I mentioned. <Not that I'm
aware of, but your lamp configuration is what is giving you low LUX
values, four actinics and four 50/50's aren't going to do it.
You can greatly increase the LUX value by going with 10K 80 watt lamps.
If it were me, I'd go with seven 10K's and one actinic.> I
know this sounds like a stupid question, but do VHO bulbs have a much
higher output than T-5 bulbs in terms of intensity? <T5's boast
the highest lumens per watt output of any fluorescent lamp on the
market. Keep in mind though, "per watt". Six foot VHO lamps
are 160 watts versus the 80 watt T5 lamp. Your fixture would be the
equivalent of a four lamp VHO fixture in terms of intensity with all
lamps being equal in Kelvin temperature.> Would I need a chiller if
I use VHO's <Would depend on where you live, the temperature you
maintain in your home, central air, etc.> or could I just turn my
heater very low? <How would you maintain water temperature when the
lamps are off during the nighttime hours? For keeping moderate light
loving corals, the eight lamp fixture you have is fine. You just need
to reconfigure the lamps. James (Salty Dog)> <<In other
words... heaters are thermostatic... they won't run if the water is
warmer than what they're set at. RMF>>
Re: Reef Lighting
2/20/09 The only T-5 bulbs that I can find in a 60" are
60% actinic/40% white, 11,000K bulbs, and 6,000K sun bulbs, will these
work if I do a 7 of these to one actinic configuration? <Sure, go
with the 11K lamps. James (Salty Dog)>
Lighting For My Zero
Edge Aquarium 2/18/09 Reef Lighting I've been working on
my Zero Edge aquarium for over a year. The cabinet arrived last week,
so now I need advice on lighting. <Is ironic, as I've been
looking at their products on the web just minutes ago. Look pretty
pricey but it appears the quality is there.> The size of the tank is
36" x 29" x 13.25" in depth. I am looking for a sleek
looking light. I have been studying the Elos Planet II. I have been
testing lights and it seems that a 24 inch metal halide pendant with T5
gives me the coverage. A 36" seems to light up my entire living
room.! <Is there one lamp in the pendant?> I will have both soft
and hard corals. With the tank being 13.25 inches in depth, will a 150w
14k pendant be enough? <OK, one lamp.> Someone suggested a 250w
14k, but would that be too much with the tank being shallow? I will be
hanging the light from a bracket attached to the cabinet. Is 8-10
inches above the water be high enough? <Geez Paul, if it were me,
I'd go with the 250 or the aforementioned Elos Planet II.
Tridacnids and SPS will love it, and it will not be overkill. I
happened to come across a chap who has an Elos Planet II for sale for
$800.00 on one of the forums. Might want to take a look here. Seems
like a good buy versus a new one at 1300.00.
http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/drygoods-sale-trade/42908-elos-planet-ii-sale.html
> Thank you, <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Paul
Re: Lighting For My
Zero Edge Aquarium 2/20/09 Reef Lighting
Thank you crew (James) for your information, I still have a few
questions. <You're welcome.> Since it has taken me over a
year for my decision making on the tank and cabinet, I want to make
sure the lighting is correct. <Understood.> I purchased a
36" Aquaticlife 1x150 14kHID with 3X39 watt 420/460 nm T5 HO light
fixture. When I hung the fixture from the brackets, it took away from
the look of the overall tank. It was not sleek enough. I hung it 6
inches from the top of the tank. When I turned it on the wash from the
lighting lit up the entire room. <Difficult to avoid with that type
of set up.> The tank is located in the living/family room. I
experimented with the light and cut 4 pieces of black cardboard and
covered the ends of the T5's which made it into a 24" light.
The wash was so much less. If I go with the Planet II 24" 250w 14k
with the T5's, will the 250w make it too bright? Is there a big
difference between a 150w and 250w 14k light in brightness? <Yes, a
100 watt difference. Is this fixture available with just the 250 watt
halide?> Because of the tank being only 13.5 inches deep, I will
have a 1-2 inch sand depth. With 11.5 inches starting my rock
formation, will it be too much light? <I don't think so. I used
a 150 watt HQI on a 29 gallon tank and I didn't think it was too
bright or too much light.> I plan to have the Acros centered at the
top of the aquarium, the Acros will be 8 inches from the light. The
softer corals will be placed lower in a stepped down look from the
center of the tank. I am concerned with 1) coral bleaching from too
much light (250w) <Bleaching generally occurs when corals do not get
enough light, they expel their Zooanthellae.> because of the
shallowness of the tank. 2) Having a major glare from too much light.
Do you think the Elos Planet II 150w 14k with 4 T5's is plenty of
light, or will I be better off with the Elos Planet II 250w 14k with 4
T5's lighting fixture? I just want to make the most informed
decision. <Yes, when you are about to spend quite a few hard earned
dollars on a light fixture, you want it to be right. For Acros,
Monti's, clams, the 250 is not going to be too much light and for
that matter, not too much for the softies being the light will be well
above the water surface. I have visited a shop here in town that has a
450 gallon reef set up. He is lighting it with four, 400 watt halides
with actinics, and he has softies galore just looking great. I have
never saw mushroom anemones that large. To give you an example, a 100
watt metal halide has the same light intensity as three 48" T8
HO's. Metal halide lamps will average 65-115 lumens per watt. Now,
if we multiply say 90 lumens by 250, we have 22,500 lumens, much less
than direct sunlight which is a minimum of 32,000. The lamp lumens will
vary depending on the Kelvin temperature of the lamp. For clarity's
sake, the difference between the Lux and the lumen is that the Lux
takes into account the area over which the luminous flux is spread. A
flux of 1,000 lumens, concentrated into an area of one square meter,
lights up that square meter with an luminance of 1,000 Lux. However,
the same 1,000 lumens, spread out over ten square metres, produces a
dimmer luminance of only 100 Lux. The 150 watt fixture may be enough,
but considering it will be hanging 8" above the water surface, the
intensity/lumens will drop some.> Have you had any pros or cons on
the Elos Planet II light fixtures? <I'm not familiar with them
but I've heard no negatives.> The reason Im studying the Elos
fixture is because of its sleek looks. <Yes, very nice looking and
appears to be a quality fixture.> Thanks for all of your
information. <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Paul
2/18/2009 Lighting -
Little Information, Reading Sorry to bother you. I can't
seem to figure out this lighting stuff. Will this light be sufficient
in a tank 50cm deep and supportive of live rock, frog spawn, mushrooms,
and an anemone: Current USA 48" Nova extreme T5 fixture 2x54w
10k/460nm? If so what bulbs should I use and will this work with
canopy, or get to hot? Thanks for your help. <Hi, My immediate
thought on reading your question is no, that is not an adequate amount
of light to keep the invertebrates that you mentioned. However, to best
answer your question I am going to need more information. What kind of
Anemone? How much live rock? How large is your tank? What kind of
filtration would you be using? All of those facts are important, as
even with correct lighting, if your filtration system is inadequate,
your animals will die. I would suggest that you start reading here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/lighting/index.htm If you open
that link, and look at the top of the page, you will see links to 45
different pages written about marine system lighting. I'm sure that
the answers you seek will be found there. Lastly, please check your
spelling and grammar before sending an inquiry. MikeV>
Re: Lighting Question,
MH... 55 gal., SW, waste heat concern
I'm so very sorry to bother you again, but I have run across more
conflicting info in the FAQ's and have another question. <No
worries, Matt. This is why we're here.> Since my tank is a
standard 55gal, would metal halide lighting be too hot and burn
everything up? I have seen that it is recommended not to use MH
lighting on a 55gal tank, but have also seem recommendations to use 2
150 watt MH pendants above this same setup. All of this conflicting
info is starting to get confusing to me. Any input would be greatly
appreciated. If the 2 pendants would be fine, how far above the tank
should I keep them to minimize evaporation and bleaching of my corals?
<First, let me preface this by reminding you that every set up is
different. So, just because someone had heat issues with MH lighting
over a 55gal that does not mean your set up will as well. Whether your
tank will overheat depends on several factors. First, what is the
highest temperature your tank has reached with your current lighting
method? If it is in the upper levels of the acceptable range, then you
should consider using more efficient equipment (such as cooler running
return pumps or circulation powerheads) and/or increase cooling (by
adding a chiller or fans) before upgrading to MH. Second, not all MH
setups are the same as some are terribly inefficient. Consider going
with a proper MH set up with a quality electronic ballast like the
Icecap 150W ballast and bulb like the Phoenix 14k to maximize
efficiency. Review this site for more information on efficiency:
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting. For reference, I live in
Southern California where ambient temperatures can be quite high in the
summer and I am able to hang a 150W MH set up 12" over my 24
gallon Nano Cube. I use a fan to blow cool air over the water surface
to increase evaporative cooling and water temperature is table at 80-81
degrees even on the hottest days.> Thanks again Matt <You're
welcome. Cheers, Minh Huynh.>
Lighting Question -
please help, my corals HATE me!! Multiple Problems In Reef Tank
2/9/09 This is my first post here, although I read your forums
almost daily. I have benefited greatly from the advice given here,
although you wouldn't know it by looking at my very sad corals
right now. My question is in regards to MH lighting and I think I have
too much. I would like to know if I do in fact have too much, and what
can be done to remedy this with my current setup. I am guessing I
should switch to lower intensity bulbs, or can I just reduce my
photoperiod? Here is what is going on - I have a 55 gallon setup with 2
MH bulbs, 250W each and 10K. I also have 2 actinics, 96W and 36 inch
each. These are enclosed in a canopy hood. I obviously had a heat
problem, so in addition to fans I bought a chiller. Heat seems to be
managed ok. My photoperiod is only 5 hours/day currently. The bulbs sit
approx. 8- 9 inches above where my first layer of LR starts. I do think
my 55g is a little deeper than most - it is approx. 20 inches deep.
<The MH lamps will provide plenty of light, I'd stop using the
fluorescent lamps, cut down on heat/energy.> My main problem is
algae. My soft corals seemed to be doing very well, but any hard corals
that I tried succumbed to being over taken by algae. I have hair algae
to be exact. In doing some research I learned that phosphates were
likely the cause (were ranging around 0.2 - 0.3ppm). I bought a
phosphate reactor and over the course of 3 weeks have gotten these down
to non-detected. Still I have hair algae, although not as bad. My MH
bulbs were 14 months old and my actinics were 6 months old, so I
changed all 4 of them out (thinking bad bulbs were causing the algae).
This is when my corals really started to go south. I acclimated too
fast for one thing. I kept them on for one hour a day, and increased by
an additional hour each day or two. <I don't think the
acclimation was too fast.> My red Scolymia coral is bleaching, my
bubble coral seems to be screaming at me (bubbles are deflating), my
button polyp looks like he is receding, and my green open brain used to
be gorgeous and now looks shrunk. The only 2 corals I have which look
gorgeous are my finger leather and colt coral. I moved my red Scolymia
into a shaded area at the bottom of the tank (question about him - when
he started bleaching, I noticed inside his "mouth" opening
that you can see white hard looking stuff. What is this? Is there any
hope for him?). Also my fire coral, which I thought took higher
lighting, yesterday looked very pale. Please help me to rectify this
situation! Reduce my photoperiod? Switch to lower bulbs? Something
entirely else? Here is my stocking list and tank parameters. I already
know that you are going to say that I have way too many fish and this
is causing my algae problems also. I agree, they were just so beautiful
I couldn't stop buying them!! Should I trade back one or two or
three? Truthfully, I thought I was compensating ok for them with the
protein skimmer and phosphate reactor. Also, I feed every other day.
<There is more to keeping corals than just providing light. What are
your calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and pH levels?> Stocking list 1
Yellow Tang, 1 Hippo Tang, 1 Powder Blue Tang, 1 Coral Beauty, 1
Flamehawk, 1 Lawnmower Blenny, 1 Ocellaris clown Bubble Tip Anemone,
Elegance Coral, button polyp, Fire Coral, Colt Coral, leather coral,
red Scolymia, bubble coral, green tooth coral, green (with some red)
open brain, crocea clam, orange ball sponge, yellow Acropora, and a red
vase coral frag. <YIKES! Your tank is too small for these tangs and
the BTA does not belong in this tank, they can/will move and sting
corals in the process along with risking the fish to their sting. The
BTA needs to go.> I have approx. 100 pounds of LR, various clean up
crew snails and crabs, and mushrooms growing on my LR. I have a protein
skimmer (AquaC), UV sterilizer, chiller, phosphate reactor, and I
filter with a sump (with bioballs.....ack!). I use carbon sporadically.
Water changes are weekly with RO water and automatic top-off is RO
water buffered with reef calcium and reef buffer. I do not test for,
<Do not test for? How do you know if you have the proper levels of
calcium and magnesium which are both important and necessary for coral
growth.> or add, any trace elements except what is present in my
reef calcium (I think strontium and magnesium) Tank parameters
(measured yesterday) temp hangs around 75.8 - 76.1 at night and climbs
to 78 - 79 with halides on SG = 1.025 pH = 8.28 (taken 1.5 hours after
lights on, with a pH meter) calcium = 420 ppm dKH = 10 NO3 = 20 ppm
<Too high here, likely the cause of your algae problem.> PO4 = 0
- .05 ppm (hard to tell exactly with this test kit) Alk = 3.0 mEq/L
<This is the same as dKH, no need to test for both. Meq/l times 2.8
will give you the dKH.> Any suggestions at all that you have for my
tank I would greatly appreciate, even if it means getting rid of some
fish and my bioballs. <Yes, your fish stocking level is too high and
likely is why nitrate levels are high. Do the tangs a favor and find
are larger home for them, will not last long in this system, especially
the Powder Blue. Do read here and related articles/FAQ's.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/growingcorals.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nutrientcontrol.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeconMar.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tangs,.htm James (Salty Dog)>
Lighting (Too
Much?) 1/30/09 I've read and been told that 2 175
watt metal halides would work for my 55 gallon reef tank.
<<Okay>> I've found a 48" fixture on eBay, but the
bulbs that come with it are 250's. Would this be too much light
intensity? Tank is 18" deep. Thanks, Pat <<Speaking at a
very high level with virtually no information about your system or its
occupantsno, this is not too much light versus the 175w system (and
raising the fixture can lessen intensity, if necessary)though it is
probably more than you need. EricR>>
Lighting - Not Enough
- Too Much 1/13/09 I read everything I can find on the hobby.
I have "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist", "The Reef
Aquarium, Vol. 3", Matthew Wittenrich "Breeder's Guide to
Marine Aquarium Fish", and Joyce Wilkerson's book on Clownfish
and have read them cover to cover numerous times. <Great, all of us
can always learn more!> I have also read your site regularly, which
is an awesome service to the hobby. <Thank you!> Still I
can't seem to get a grasp on the lighting situation with all of the
combinations, NO, HO, VHO, PC fluorescents, Metal Halide, new
technology, etc. I want the best combination, spectrum, and brightness
to keep my livestock happy and healthy and still be able to afford my
electric bill. Background: I have a 1 year-old 29G with a mated pair of
Ocellaris Clowns, a 7-month 29G with a mated pair of Australian Black
Ocellaris Clowns, and my Christmas present from my wonderful wife, a
new 75G which will be a reef tank. My in the near future plan is to
build an approx. 550+G (120"x36"x30") built-in wall reef
tank in my living room. <Quite a nice jump in size!> My question
pertains to the current reef tank and future reef tank. There seems to
be conflicting opinions from two of my most valuable sources, Mr.
Fenner's book and Sprung/Delbeek's book on spectrum. Mr. Fenner
suggests full spectrum fluorescents in the 6500K color temperature
range to be acceptable and Sprung/Delbeek suggest more light in the
blue range (10,000K+) for proper Zooxanthellae photosynthesis in corals
and other invertebrates. Which is best? <Well, the short answer is
what you like best. The lower K bulbs give what your corals actually
need while the trend of the last few years is to go to a bluer bulb for
the look. The 10000K bulb is generally considered the best compromise
between the two. Actinic supplementation will give the bluer look that
many seek.> <<Oh, and my incept date for this opinion is some
thirty years old... pre-dates MH use in the hobby interest. RMF>>
My 75G has hood equipped with two fans that I robbed from a broken
computer one blowing air into the hood and one sucking air out of the
hood. Fans are on timer and only come on when lights are on. I have a
18G refugium, separate 18G sump with DIY Kalkwasser container dripping
at the same rate as evaporation (about 1 1/2 gallons per day, installed
2 days ago), approx. 3" sand bed, 100 lbs live rock (purchased dry
rock and placed it in my other aquariums to seed). I have (2) Hydor
Koralia 3's on each end of the tank facing each other. Quiet One
3000 main pump (750Gph rated, about 450-500 Gph after head pressure
calculated). The output of the main pump feeds a small amount of water
to a DIY Algal Turf Scrubber above the refugium and the remainder is
branched into two output that are aimed directly into the flow of the
two Hydor Koralias to crate a chaotic flow. <Sounds nice.> The
current randomly changes throughout the tank. Is this adequate water
flow for SPS corals? <Yes, but you certainly could swap the 3s for
the 4s.> I have (2) Koralia 4's not being used. Livestock is
currently two very small Gold-Stripe Maroon Clowns that I hope will
pair, a Bubble Tip Anemone, a Bubble Coral, small Yellow Toadstool
Leather, and a Purple Tip Acropora. <A dangerous mix. Do search WWM
re allelopathic interaction.> My wife has me on a one aquarium
purchase per month allowance (better than nothing), so will add more
coral slowly, mostly SPS and LPS. <Do check re compatibility with
what you have.> Water parameters (Tank has completely cycled):
Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0, PH 8.2, Calcium 340 ppm, Alk 10 dKH.
Trying to get calcium up a little. Temp 79.4 at night 79.8 during day.
Back to the lighting question, I have a DIY lighting arrangement that I
want to make sure is going to be enough. I have (8) T8 bulbs, trying to
split the difference between full spectrum and blue light I went with
(3) 6500K full spectrum, (3) 10,000K and (2) Actinic bulbs. All are
overdriven 2x, I am aware that this will shorten bulb life, but I
wanted to make sure I had adequate light. Is this enough lighting for
SPS corals AND to maintain bright color. <Yes, the lighting is
fine.> Most of the sellers online say that their SPS corals need
Metal Halide lighting to maintain their color. Is this true or can it
be accomplished with fluorescents? <The T5 bulbs can do the same
thing as MH here, it is all in the application. Yours is fine.> I
purchased the Acropora before I had the 75G and placed it in one of my
29G about 4 inches below two T5�s (One 6500k and one Actinic.) It
turned brown after a few weeks. I moved it to the 75G about 12 inches
below the surface under the 8 T8�s and it has recovered about half
of the purple color and seems to gain more purple everyday. Is this a
good indicator that I have enough light or is it something else?
<The lighting spectrum and intensity can affect color, it is not
necessarily an indication of health either way.> One last thing:
What do you think about the Fluorex lights available at Home Depot?
<I love them, even used to sell them before subsidies here in Ca
made them illegal to resale specifically for our purpose.> Lights of
America website says their 65W is 6500K full spectrum 500W equivalent
and 6825 Lumens. And they have a 100W 6500K, 1000W equivalent that
produces 10,500 Lumens. Could these be a more cost effective
alternative to Metal Halide? <They indeed can be if you do not mind
the yellow look. I have used these for refugium lights and freshwater
planted tanks. My big issue with these lights it the cost of
replacement bulbs. It is cheaper to buy a whole new fixture! Many of
the Costco's do carry these off and on too, even cheaper.> I
would like to see these bulbs available in higher color temperature.
<Me too!> And how can you figure watts/gallon correctly if all of
the different technologies have different lumens/watts. <You cant,
that is why WPG stinks.> I don't see how comparing watts/gallon
is comparing apples to apples across different technologies. Is there
some easier way to be sure you have proper lighting on a reef aquarium?
<Comparisons to systems that work, experience.> Thank you for all
that you do and sorry for the long email. This problem has been bugging
me for a year now and I value your opinion. Matt <No problem Matt. I
do hope this sheds some light on the subject for you. Scott
V.>
Lighting Cnidarians,
75 gal., T 5s 1/7/09 Hi crew,
<Hi Marc, Minh at your service.> Real quick one. Just would like
your opinion. I have 220 watts of t5 lighting on a 75 gallon tank. One
actinic bulb, two 18k bulbs, and one 10k bulb. Do you think this would
be enough lighting for mushrooms, and leather corals? Cauliflower,
Finger, and Toadstool leathers. Also do you think it would be
sufficient for some LPS, mostly would like to add a Frogspawn, Torch or
Hammer coral. <Although there are many varieties of T5 lighting each
with different performance capabilities based on the brand of bulb,
type of ballast and reflectors used, the average T5 set up should be
more than adequate for the corals you want to keep. To find out
performance data on your particular set up, you can visit this
excellent lighting information page:
http://tfivetesting.googlepages.com.> Thanks again, Marc
<You're welcome. Cheers, Minh Huynh.>
Reef
Lighting/Selection 1/5/09 Looking to by bulb combo. For a 4ft
23inch deep tank. Looking to do fish and soft corals. Looking at the
TEK 6 bulb light fixture. What is the best setup? Choice of Giesemann
and ATI. Someone said 3 ATI blue plus and 3 Giesemann aqua blu. Or add
1 UVL AquaSun and take out a Giesemann. Want bulbs for growth and light
without it being too blue. <Personally I think the fixtures you
mention are pretty pricey. Take a look at the Current 8 bulb fixture
which can be had for 100 bucks less with lamps. Look here.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~lighting_fluorescent_
current_usa_nova_extreme_t5_high_output_ho_lunar.html As far as bulb
selection, I'm thinking dealers are not going to open boxes and
switch lamps for you. If you find one that will, then I'd go with a
3 to 1 ratio of 10K and actinic. James (Salty Dog)>
Re: Reef
Lighting/Selection 1/5/09 Bob, You may want to post this in
addition to my reply of the above query. Drs. Foster & Smith has a
sale on the Nova Extreme 8 lamp T5 fixture. Their sale price including
lamps is 386.99, item number AKA-21109. www.drsfostersmith.com. James
<<Have forwarded to the querior as well. B>>
Re:
Reef Lighting/Selection 2/2/09 Salty Dog Thanks for such a
quick and informative reply. Unfortunately the 175 watt is not an
option with the light fixtures to the UK. What are your thoughts about
1 x 250 watt 13,000K, with 2 x T5 24 watt actinics and 2 x T5 24 watt
10,000K or if they can do it the same combination but with 39 watt
T5's instead. <Being this is a corner tank, you could likely get
away with it if this is your only option. The intense light loving
corals/clams would need to be kept directly under the halide in about a
two foot or slightly more in diameter zone. The other less light
demanding corals can be placed accordingly as to their light
requirements. I'd opt for the 39 watt T5's with your 24"
deep tank.> Many thanks <You're welcome. James (Salty
Dog)> Wayne
Adequate Reef
Lighting? ~ 01/05/09 Hi Guys, <<Howdy Peter>> I
recently purchased a lighting canopy from a friend. This canopy is
outfitted with a 2 65watt compact fluorescents (one daylight 10000k/one
actinic) as well as a 150 watt metal halide. I will be using this
canopy for my 65 gal reef aquarium that is 3' long and 18"
deep. I currently have several mushrooms and xenias, Zoanthids and a
toadstool coral. Is this enough lighting for this size tank and corals?
<<Strictly speaking, yes, this should be plenty of light for this
tank/these animals. Whether or not it is *optimum* is a different
matter. I have seen Corallimorphs turn brown under lighting that was
too intense for their needs, though they did just fine otherwise. And
if the Toadstool happens to be the variety commonly known as a Yellow
Fiji Leather, then it will likely appreciate a bit more intensity
though it will probably do fine here if positioned correctly. My point
to this is there are no pat answers. Yes, this light can/will keep your
corals alive in this tank. But you will need to research the individual
lighting requirements of each to determine their best placement re
orientation and height within the water column>> Also, when I
determine the amount of watts I am providing to my tank, is this just
an addition of the fluorescents and halides? <<Indeed But this
*rule of thumb* is a poor guideline at best. In addition to the
individual needs of the corals, the efficacy of the lighting is also
affected by water clarity, reflector quality, bulb and ballast
type/manufacturer, etc Even effective supplemental feeding (or lack
thereof) of your corals may have an effect on the lighting
needs/effectiveness>> Thanks, Peter <<Happy to share.
EricR>>
Re: Adequate Reef
Lighting? Actinic f' ~ 01/06/09 Do the actinic bulbs count
toward the total watts of light being delivered to the tank or is it
just the whites?? <<The basis of the formula is ANY wattage But A
10,000K bulb is going to provide more useful output than an Actinic
bulb of the same wattage And points out yet another inherent flaw to
using this woefully poor *formula* for determining the effectiveness of
your lighting>> Thanks again, Peter <<Regards,
EricR>>
Lighting 200 gal reef
12/16/08 Thanks for doing an excellent job. <Thank you for
reading, writing.> I have a choice of two light fixtures for a 200
gal. tank which measures L72" X W24" X H30". They both
have four PC's which I believe are 96watts each, but the choice is
the three metal halides, either 150 watts, or 250. Which would you
recommend? I currently have 6 X 96 watt PC's and want the metal
halides. <If you intend on keeping the same livestock you have with
your PC's the 150s can do, but for a 30" deep tank 250 MH
bulbs are the way to go. It will give you the flexibility of keeping
just about anything lighting wise within the tank. Light intensive
livestock in the upper half, with less needy inverts down towards the
bottom. With 150s you will be a bit more limited, keeping things such
as SPS in the upper third or so.> James Wedel <Scott
V.>
Reef Lighting During
Winter Question � 11/17/08 Hi all, <<Greetings
Skaife>> Great information on your site, and I use it frequently
to expand my knowledge. <<Very good to hear>> Now for my
question. I have a 125g saltwater tank with 4 X 96W PC lighting. I have
some xenia, a few Kenya trees, and a purple ribbon gorgonian that were
on my live rock and have flourished in my tank. <<Mmm, okay but I
would expect the gorgonian (likely Pterogorgia sp.), and even the other
corals you mention, would enjoy/benefit from a bit more light intensity
than you now have especially since Im betting that at least half these
bulbs are Actinic vs. Daylight>> My question is about altering my
lighting schedule during the winter. <<Not necessary Most all
tropical locations where these organisms are collected have about the
same duration of daylight year-round (i.e. � 12 hrs)>> I do
not use a heater on my tank, as it stays very consistent between 77-79
degrees during the summer months as that is our room temperature.
<<This is not an uncommon practice. The gear (pumps, lights,
etc.) used to keep our reef systems going generally produce more than
enough heat delegating heaters to an �emergency only� role
for the most part>> During the winter, we drop our temperature
down to 75 degrees in the house, which is changing the tank temperature
to 75-77 degrees. <<Should be fine>> With this water
temperature change, I was wondering if I should alter the lighting
times to relate to winter months. <<Nopefor the reason
stated>> I currently run the actinic 8 hours, and the 10K
daylight bulbs 6 hours. <<Mmm Insufficient in my opinion You say
your corals are flourishing, but I'll wager they are not Not under
this lighting combo and regimen They may be living, even growing a bit
but I do also believe they would fare better under more light. At the
least, I recommend you increase the 10K photo-period to at least
10-hours per day with 12-hours being even better. There's been some
speculation that increasing the photo-period can in a small way
compensate for lack of intensity, but adding another couple 10K bulbs,
in conjunction with increasing the lighting duration, would be of great
benefit here in my opinion>> I was thinking of reducing it down
to 6 hours actinic and 4 hours daylight. Would this be ok? <<I do
not recommend this>> Or should I leave it on the normal schedule?
<<The schedule you have now is not �normal�bump up the
light, mate. Here's some additional info/reading on marine system
lighting: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/lighting/index.htm
>> Thanks, Skaife <<Happy to share.
EricR>>
Lighting for 55 gallon
reef 11/15/08 I am looking for lighting for a 55 gallon reef,
36x18x20. I am planning to keep softies and LPS corals because, as Bob
writes in his book, I need to learn the craft before I start on the
more challenging stuff. I have been researching and have narrowed the
field, and am hoping you can advise me. <Sure.> I am leaning
towards T5 fluorescents. <Great choice.> The two fixtures I am
looking at are the Tek Light (6x39w), or the Aquactinics Tx5 (5x39w).
Is there a big difference between the two fixtures? <Just the one
bulb difference.> Do you know if the design/materials of the
Aquactinics make up for having one less bulb? <No, both appear to
have individual reflectors.> The third option I am considering is
the SunPod MH, 2x150 watt MH HQI. I would either run a Ushio 10k or
Phoenix 14k bulb. I may need actinic supplementation for aesthetics.
<I would stick with the T5 on this tank.> Are any of these
options better than the others? Is there another one I am missing?
<Nah, either of the T5 offerings you mention will serve you well.
Look at price, the inclusion of bulbs with the fixture. All of that
being equal, do opt for the 6 bulb.> I do appreciate the help.
Thanks dean <Very welcome, Scott V.>
Re: Lighting for 55
gallon reef 11/16/08 Thanks Scott. <Welcome.> With bulbs
and all, they were very close in price. It seemed that the Tek light
was the better deal, but with the Aquactinic rep I wanted to make sure
I wasn't missing something. <Nah, same basic thing except the
extra bulb.> dean <Scott V.>
Re: Lighting for 55
gallon reef Further Comment on Light Posting, fluo. fixt. choices
11/18/08 Hey, <Hello Dean.> I was reading the dailies
and saw a response to my post. I have comment of my own. <Okay.>
Scott and Andy, I did choose to go with the Tek 6 HO light for a couple
of reasons. I agree that the Aquactinics TX5 has some performance
characteristics over the Tek 6 Light, but the Tek 6 has some as well.
The Aquactinics has better reflectors and active cooling, and both
contribute to the fixtures performance. From my research, the TX5 can
penetrate better. My tank however is only 20" deep, with a DSB
also in the mix, so I cannot take full advantage of the reflectors. If
my tank was a 65, 36x18x24 it would be a different story. As for active
cooling, I saw my third snowstorm of the season today, My place
doesn't get that warm, and I can always add a fan. In the end what
was the deciding factor was the sixth bulb. Not because extra wattage,
but because a sixth bulb give me more flexibility in mixing bulbs and
tuning the spectra. <A good point not yet mentioned.> My bulbs
are: Back ATI Blue Plus ATI Korallin Zucht Fiji Purple Giesemann Midday
ATI Blue Plus UVL 72.25 ATI Blue Plus Front The TX5 may be the better
fixture, but the Tek 6 made more sense in my situation as it turns out.
I would have had to give up my 75.25 and I really wanted that to pull
out the reds in my firefish and coralline. But thanks for the help!
This has been very educational for me. Y'all rock. Dean <Thank
you for the further input Dean. My stance re has already been posted.
Glad you are happy with your choice. Scott V.>
The post was:
*Comment on Light Posting, fluo. fixt. choices 11/18/08*
<Hello again Andy.> I was reading Today's Questions and saw a
snippet of a post about the TEK vs. Aquactinics lights. Unfortunately,
I couldn't find the original post/answer, so forgive me if I'm
way off base here.
The post/answer was: "Re: Lighting for
55 gallon reef 11/16/08 Thanks Scott. <Welcome.> With
bulbs and all, they were very close in price. It seemed that the Tek
light was the better deal, but with the Aquactinic rep I wanted to make
sure I wasn't missing something. <Nah, same basic thing except
the extra bulb.> dean <Scott V.>" I assume the poster/you
were talking about the TEK 6 light HO T5 versus the Aquactinics TX5
fixture? <Yes.> I have seen/observed both of these in action, and
I can tell you that there is a pretty significant difference between
the two fixtures, IMO. The difference in output/light
quality/brightness is pretty astounding, with the Aquactinics being the
superior fixture. I'm not poo pooing the TEK, which is a fine
fixture, but the 5-bulb Aquactinics I've seen produces a much
better/brighter output than the 6-bulb TEK. Maybe it's the
reflectors, maybe it's the ballasts, maybe it's the bulbs that
were being used--I don't know. I've been told that the TEK runs
very hot, which I'm also told reduces the efficiency of the
fixture/bulbs. Although I don't always subscribe to this way of
thinking, I honestly believe there is a reason the Aquactinics fixture
is more expensive--because it is hands down a better fixture. My LFS
uses both, and the difference really is impressive. I'm sure
you/others have a lot more experience with light fixtures, and maybe
these models in particular, but I just thought I'd share my
impressions/$.02. <Thank you for your input, I do have to say I
myself have not seen the difference. There are so many factors to
consider: bulb type/spectrum, age of bulbs, fixture maintenance
(reflector cleaning), and even the perception of light put out. Both of
these fixtures use HO T5 bulbs with individual reflectors. I do
appreciate your comments and this will be posted for others to make a
more educated choice. Thank you.> Andy <Talk again soon, Scott
V.>
Re: Stocking,
Questions in general- now marine invert lighting 11/4/08
Thanks for the quick response! <My pleasure.> I went to www.asira.org, another awesome website!
<Tis, put together by WWM's own Sara M. (when she is not
dressing up dogs).> <<Haha... thank you Marc, Scott.>>
Just wanted your opinion on one other thing. the lighting in my tanks
consists of two lights. A Finnex, t5, with two 55 watt bulbs, and a
Coralife t5, with two 26 watt bulbs. So, in total, about 160 watts of
t5 lighting. So just over 2 watts per gallon. But, I have my liverock
stacked in the middle of the tank, and by middle I'm referring to
back to front, and then running from one side of the tank to the other,
left to right. So the rock wall divides the tank in half, it almost
makes it like a 55 gallon display, with the back half of the tank just
adds to water volume. So I have the two lights in the very front of the
tank, with the one actually tilts back at the front of the rock wall,
and behind the rock wall is not lit up at all. So am I right in
assuming that this is more intense than if it was lighting up the
entire tank. <Yes, concentrated in one section.> Also I don't
know if you are familiar with asira.com's rating system with
lighting, but if you are, what you consider the lighting i have, they
rate moderate t5 lighting to be a 3, and then extensive t5 lighting to
be like a 5 or a 6, according to this ranking system, where would you
rate my lighting? <Sara herself may very well chime in here, but I
would call this a 3-4, do also keep in mind her scale depends on
placement also.> <<Yes, indeed... especially with T5 lighting
(well, any lighting really), depth makes a *huge* difference. I
would rate it a 3-4 at about 2ft+ down, from the top down to 1.5 to
2ft, it might be closer to a 5. -Sara M.>> Thanks again for the
help! Marc <Welcome, Scott V.>
T5 lighting for 30
gallon mini reef 11/2/08 I am saving up for a lighting upgrade
on my 30 gallon tank. For corals I currently have some softies and a
sun coral. <The latter can be tough, depending on the species. See:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/dendrophylliidae.htm.>
For lighting I'm temporarily using power compact lighting (4-foot
light on a 3-foot tank) which I got for free. <Can't beat the
price! I have yet to pay someone to take my *old * lighting!> I have
been saving up for months to get upgraded lights that will allow me to
handle some LPS and a clam (not too interested in SPS at present, but
it seems the clam is just as demanding). <For the most part,
yes.> I think T5's seem a good way to go because they are
cheaper than Halides both initially and down the road (electricity,
cooling, bulb replacement). Also since my tank is not huge or deep,
I'm guessing that T5's can penetrate deep enough without help
from Halides. <T5s are the way to go IMO, save the
�shimmer� effect.> I plan to get a fixture (no canopy)
with individual reflectors. What would be the appropriate amount of T5
bulbs to have a happy-healthy clam in a 30 gallon tank? 4x39watts? Or
would I be better off with 6 bulbs? <The 6 bulb configuration.> I
wouldn't guess that less than 4 bulbs would be advisable.
<No.> The clam could go towards the top, if that is an issue.
I'm leaning towards Current Sundial (4 bulb) and Current Nova
Extreme PRO (6 bulb). I know there are better and more expensive
fixtures out there (like TEK) but when it already takes me 6 months to
save up $250 for lights, I would need a good reason to save up for a
$400ish fixture instead. <Do realize that for clams that will not
outgrow this tank, intensive lighting and high placement will be
necessary, meaning high placement in this case, can be done. Ca
supplementation in such a small volume will also be an issue. Daily, if
not automatic.> Thanks for the help, Jack <Welcome, Scott
V.>
Fiber optics, sunlight
and reef lighting 11/2/08 Hello again WWM crew and thank you
in advance for your help (past, present and future!). <Glad the site
has helped you out!> I was wondering if there is any available
information about reef lighting using fiber optics to transmit actual
collected sunlight. I have seen articles about using fiber optic
lighting using MH and other synthetic light sources, but I am unable to
find anything about using natural light source with fiber optics to
light a reef. <I too have been wondering this, searching for
possibilities lately.> I know there are technologies out there that
use fiber optics to carry sunlight indoors to be used to light areas of
rooms, but that doesn't necessarily require the spectrum to be
transmitted. I know these systems are typically supplemental lights,
since the sun isn't always bright enough on rainy days and gives no
help at night, but it seems to me that may actually be beneficial in a
reef system as long as the spectrum is maintained. <Yes.> It
seems it would provide a year round natural light cycle that could have
its own benefits. I realize that you would have to have enough fibers
to attain the proper intensity, but I do not know how many fibers that
might be. <Nor do I, it would depend on the ambient intensity.>
So, basically what I am wanting to know is can fiber optics be used to
transmit sunlight to a reef tank in place of artificial lights? <I
have no doubt it could.> Can it maintain the proper quality and
quantity for photosynthetic creatures? <Don't see why not.>
Would such a system be possible and feasible or would it necessarily be
too large in order to maintain light intensity? <I suspect it would
likely be cost prohibitive.> It seems to me that even if there were
more initial cost, the long term savings in electricity and replaced
bulbs would offset the initial investment rather quickly. <To a
point. I do love, am captivated by the idea. With new emerging
technologies, the power cost to light our reefs is dropping all the
time. Free would be nice. T5s have started to change the way reef
lighting is implemented, with the LEDs being the future IMO. Below is
the best material I have found thus far on the subject, though not
directly reef related.> Once again, thanks for all your help and for
a great site. Rob Watson <Welcome, Scott V.>
http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/246/
http://pesn.com/2005/07/27/9600139_Fiber_Optics_Bring_Sun_Indoors/
Re: Fiber optics,
sunlight and reef lighting 11/5/08 Thanks for the quick
response and good info. <My pleasure, learning here too!> It
seems to me from the info you pointed me to that the technology is
probably there. <Definitely, the question is, is it worth the cost
or can it be done DIY?> The system that seemed most promising in my
opinion is the satellite dish style collector that moves with the sun.
I had seen some info on these systems already, but what you pointed me
to was more informative. As a follow-up, if I were to query these
companies about the light quality their systems emit at the business
end of the fiber optics, what questions would be pertinent? I am aware
of the guidelines for artificial light (Kelvin rating preferred 10-20
K, 4-8 watts per gallon depending on species being kept), but I am sure
there are other questions that would be more informative in this
natural lighting type scenario. <That is one question, what is the
color temperature that is actually transmitted. From what I have read
the data FOs use shorter wavelengths than we would use in the reef.
But, I do also realize it is more of a matter of the source light,
which in our case is the sun. If the spectrum is transmitted without
alteration, actinic lighting can balance things out for the tank.>
For instance, is there a PAR rating of the light exiting the fiber
optics that I need to look for (based on mounting the "lamp"
end either at X distance from the water surface or even under water)?
<I would ask in regards to spectrum and lumens emitted. I doubt
(though it would not hurt to ask) that they will have a PAR value to
offer, it would be nice.> Since one of their main points is that you
get natural color, does that need to be a concern? Or, does that most
likely mean the light will be around 6700 K and not near the 10K or
more desired? <Actinic supplementation would be required. If a
filter is employed to alter the spectrum (or if the optic line itself
changes things), it would simply filter out the lower wavelengths, not
increase the shorter.> Is there some other measure or light
intensity I need to seek, or if they claim their light is equivalent to
X watts, would that be more useful? <Watts in relation to whatever
bulb they are comparing it to can be useful, I would like to know a
claimed lumen output, although this will depend highly on the
input!> I saw an article (I believe in Advanced Aquarist) that
mentioned the possibility of the light-emitting end being placed under
the water surface, since there isn't heat emitted and no
electricity to prevent this, that would allow for lower light levels
since you would be losing no light to surface reflection. Not sure I am
a total proponent of this, since you would lose the dappling effect
that you get from single point light source. Plus, it seems you would
inevitably get salt creep into difficult to clean places, even in a
very well sealed unit. But I can see the benefits of requiring less
light and making this more feasible since there is no surface
reflection. What are your thoughts on above the water surface versus
below the surface lighting in this type setup? <I see many problems
with below the water, mainly light dispersion. Even though it is
�free�, we still want the whole tank to be lit!> The
articles I read also state that the reflector of this systems blocks UV
and IR. While I can definitely see the benefits (no cancerous UV and no
heat transmission from IR), is there some amount of these spectrums
that is currently considered necessary in a reef? <Not really, we do
take steps to filter out UV with our halides. Some do argue that some
UV is necessary.> I am aware that in many species, lack of UV-B can
cause calcium deficiency. Do corals and other photosynthetics also
utilize UVA and UVB? <No.> Would the lack of all UV be
detrimental? Would it be better to only block the cancerous UVC for a
reef? <These all bring us back to the basic question, what spectrum
do these systems transmit? Filtering out the shorter wavelengths will
lower the Kelvin rating. Do realize many indoor lights are 4000K, or
even down to 3000! If this is what they are comparing to then.
However, I do suspect the filtering of shorter wavelengths is
intentional, likely with a simple filter, that should be able to be
omitted from the system.> Thanks again for all the help. Sincerely,
Rob Watson <Thank you for spurring me to investigate this further. I
have talked to a couple of engineering/reefing friends and they both
seem to think there is great promise in this, even as a DIY! One even
has the idea (and wants to try out) of aluminizing (like they do for
telescope mirrors) a satellite TV dish. It is a parabolic collector
with a known focal point! Pricing out some FO lines, we speculate this
may be able to be done for the price of a nice MH fixture. Time and
experimentation will tell, as will spectrum and intensity! One great
link I was pointed to, hopefully this will help you out too. I will
keep in touch with what we find, as I urge you to do to. Scott V.>
http://www.nait.org/jit/Articles/grise122002.pdf
Lighting Choices...
reef 9/26/08 Hi everyone. I have a lighting question for
you. I have looked at your site but the more I look the more I get
confused. I was reading this article from Bob
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/lighting/index.htm and it
states in his opinion that full spectrum florescent lighting VHO is the
best most appropriate lighting. <In some situations, less so
nowadays.> But then when I read more into other articles others
there answer say that PC and VHO are basically the same but PC has more
density than VHO but Metal Halide would be the way to go. <Again, it
depends on your system and livestock.> This is my plan and then you
can give me an idea if you don't mind. I have a 55g that I want to
move over to a 125g AGA that I got a few months ago. I have finally
finished the sand bed and plumbing and want to start on the light. The
light I have now on my 55 is a Odyssea 260w CF and I don't think
that will be enough of my 125. I am going to build a canopy and was
planning on pulling the fixture apart to put in there but again I
don't think that is enough. I was planning on putting some DIY MH
till now. It has a 6in sand bed right now. All my stock is still in my
55 which is a 4ft Zebra Eel (reason why I need to switch to my 125) 1
Clown, few Dempsey, Angel, butterfly and yellow tang and a few sps.
<Yep, time to upsize!> I want to be able to really stock this
once its up and going to lots of coral. <What corals do you wish to
keep?> What is you recommendation on the light and how much
(wattage, quantity, etc..)Also don't want something that will bring
my electric cost up. Single parent. <More wattage equals more power
used regardless of bulb type. For what you are looking to do you may
want to consider T5 bulbs. They tend to impart less heat into the water
and are as energy efficient that you can get right now (except for
LEDs, but these are big money). How much wattage depends on what you
wish to keep. A little research on your part regarding your desired
livestock will answer this.> Been doing this for about 5-6years so
I'm not really new to all this. Thanks!! Bill M <Welcome, Scott
V.>
Odd Lighting Question
revised (sorry guys and gals), SW fixture choices, reefs...
9/25/08 Hello crew, hope you all are well. <I am here,
thank you.> So I have a lighting question for you. I have a 60 cube
that is 30" long x 24" tall x 18" wide. I was using two
t5 lighting units, both 48 watts. I recently upgraded to a SunPod
30". Its a 150 watt MH with all the LED's ( very happy to have
those for night time viewing). I took the t5's down, but after
chatting with some reefer friends that use other types of lights with
there MH's, I started to think about maybe using the t5's with
the MH SunPod. Would you recommend this? <You could, its up to you.
Most use T5 actinics with MH to blue the water a bit more and make the
livestock fluoresce a bit. Realize that all light transfers some heat
to the tank, even T5s.>br>I am not doing any sps, just softies,
LPSs, polyps, and Shrooms. Also, I have read/heard never to remove the
center plastic beam on the top of the tank, and I haven't, but it
casts a shadow in the center of the tank from the MH. What's your
take on that black plastic beam? <I hate the danged things, but if
your tank was designed with it leave it be.> I am hanging the MH
pendant about 10" above the tank, do you think I should lower it?
<7-10 is about right.> Also because my tank is so tall would I
benefit from lowering the light, as well as using the t5's?
<What you list will be fine with the light you have, but the T5s
will not hurt anything either. They can have quite an impact on the
look of the tank depending on bulb choice.>br>Also, given the
right conditions how long does it usually take coal to grow/propagate?
<Depends on the coral.> II have notices some of my zoo's grow
new polyps, but my hammer hasn't gotten any bigger or shown any
signs of new growth. I also have never had Mushroom reproduce either. I
have heard stories of people putting mushrooms in a tank and two weeks
later splitting occurs. All my water parameters are in line and I test
and change water religiously. I feed the coral with DTS 3 times a week.
Any suggestions? <Mushrooms do appreciate more of an indirect,
subdued light and current. These are one of those corals that can grow
like gangbusters in ill maintained systems and just be there in
immaculate tanks. More info at the link below and linked pages above on
the page.>br> http://www.wetwebmedia.com/corallim.htm Thanks
again guys and thanks for your continued support and information. This
site has been a wealth of information for me over the past year.
<Heee, thank you and welcome!> Spencer Hall <Scott
V.>
Lighting for a 150
gallon reef tank 09/18/2008 <<Hi there, Andrew this
evening>> I recently bought a 150 gallon reef ready oceanic tank,
about 29 inches deep. This will be my 4th and largest tank. I plan on
making this one an SPS and clam tank, and am going through my lighting
options. I would like to go with metal halides complimented with some
t5's or PC's. A few concerns here. The oceanic 150 tank has a
very large and thick piece of glass used as the center brace. This sort
of rules out the common and easy to find 3x xxxWatt fixtures, as the
middle bulb would be blocked significantly by the brace. <<Ahh
yes, a very common issue>> I guess these are the options I've
come up with. 2x250 watt, 2x400 watt, 4x150 watt, 4x250 watt, 4x400
watt. Most of these have 4x pc's or t5's. I think that the
4x250 watt system would work well, but for some reason is about $500
more than the 4x400 watt system I had found, which I fear may be
overkill - plus a burden on my electrical system. The tank I planned on
leaving with an open top and no canopy. The 2x400 watt option I feel
would work well, however that would be 2 pendants without the
complimenting t5's. I'd like to keep the look as simple and
aesthetic as possible, and a strip of t5's I feel would hurt the
look with some clean pendants. I wish that a 3x 400 watt system would
work on this tank, but I fear the middle bulb would be blocked too
much, as well as potentially melt the small piece of plastic which runs
across the glass brace. Of the combinations I've listed, which do
you think would work well for a tank this size? <<Josh, my
suggestion to you would be 4x250w. This will give a nice coverage of
light, down the full length of the tank, and be good enough to
penetrate to the depths. Thanks, Josh <<Thanks for the questions,
i hope this helps. A Nixon>>
Reef Aquarium,
lighting, stkg. 09/18/2008 Hello, <<Hello, Andrew
this evening>> I am currently setting up a 65 gallon reef
aquarium 36x18x24 and I have a few questions I would like to ask.
<<Certainly, let's get to them>> It has a Tunze DOC
protein skimmer and a Tunze Calcium reactor and 65 pounds of LR and as
well I use RODI water. <<Nice>> I am planning on putting
mainly LPS, Zoanthids, Clams, and maybe Montipora in the aquarium, The
lighting on the aquarium is 1- 14,000k 400 watt bulb and 2-96 watt
power compacts is that sufficient enough? <<Certainly, yes. Might
be too much for some, but, simple use of shadier areas are were
good>> Secondly, how long should I wait till I had clams from the
species Squamosa, deresa and/or gigas into the aquarium? <<On the
clams listed, i would not suggest any of the ones listed, as they all
get to a foot or more in length>> In addition, can I add LPS
corals into the aquarium after it is done cycling? <<Sure
thing>> Thirdly, I plan on having 2 Percula clowns, 1 mystery
wrasse and I wanted to put a tang in the aquarium as a centerpiece. I
was wondering if that was possible and if so which species? In about a
60 gallon tank, the only tang i would suggest is Zebrasoma
flavescens>> Thank you very much for all your great advice Sam.
<<Thanks for the email and questions, Sam, I hope this helps. A
Nixon>>
Lighting
??...I'm in over my head!! Reef 9/1/08 Hey Crew,
<Phil> After much reading, and little understanding, I have
decided to ask the crew for lighting help. <Okay> I have a 75 gal
reef tank. Along with fish, I have a Colt Coral, Finger Leather, Candy
Cane Coral, Zoanthids, mushrooms, polyps, and Open Brain Coral. I have
a Current T5 Nova Extreme Pro (3 54w 10K, 3 54 w 460nm). I want to use
the best bulb setup for my tank...but the choices are immense. <They
are and growing all the time!> Please help!! Giesemann makes
AquaBlue + (60/40 combination of 6000K and 22000K phosphor blend),
Midday (6000K 5 point Spectrum), Actinic + (60/40 combination of deep
blue and actinic), and Pure Actinic. Furthermore, besides the bulbs
that came with my fixture, Current makes a 420nm actinic and a 6700K
bulb. FosterSmith also has 10K Reef Blue, 10K Reef White, Actinic White
12K, and Super Actinic 420nm. Yikes!! Stop the madness!! Will you
please tell me what the best combination of bulbs would be for my 6
bulb T5 fixture would be?? <The best combo is hugely personal
choice, but I can certainly tell you what I would do and why. I would
run four of the white 10000K bulbs with two of the actinics, with one
actinic placed in the very front of the fixture, the other pretty much
wherever. The daylights will provide the light for your corals to grow,
while the two actinics will provide a look that most would be happy
with. By placing at least one of the actinics in the front you will see
the maximum effect of it when viewing the tank from the front.>
Thanks!! Sorry for being...forever...a lighting noob. -Phil
<Welcome, enjoy the system, Scott V.>
Lighting New Reef
8/22/08 Im setting off on a new path and wanted to ask a few
questions. The answers are there, for sure, however much reading has
left my head spinning as usual. I have decided I want to take the next
step and have purchased a reef tank the tank is a reef-ready 65 gallon,
36 long by probably 24 high and 19 wide. <Do check out WWM re these
"reef ready" tanks, most are not.> We are doing this ultra
slow, as in all I have purchased so far is the tank and stand, and as I
am planning only to purchase the best items possible, I am purchasing
them as funds allow. This is good, because it is giving me more time to
learn about the future inhabitants. I think Ive settled on a skimmer,
an AquaC Urchin model to go in a 20 gallon refugium I am working on
building myself. <Fine choice.> My questions revolve around
corals and lighting. The LFS I purchased the tank from uses T5HO
lighting instead of Metal Halide. The brand he recommends is Tek, which
Ive never heard of. <Nothing wrong with those fixtures.> Lighting
has been a big question, because obviously this will be a costly
investment and it needs to be the right decision. Ive looked at several
pendant or hang on type Halide lights, which would provide 300w of
halide lighting from two units, but they dont offer any other forms of
lighting. Ive also considered the big units that combine a halide light
with PC lighting and the aesthetic moonlight. Now, of course, this T5HO
lighting has entered the running and stirred things up even more. Any
way you dice it up, it looks like lighting will be a $400 to $500
investment. I do not want to over light the tank, so to speak, and will
not be adding a chiller to this tank. Which direction would you lean?
<Definitely with the T5. You will have more flexibility in swapping
bulbs to get the look you want, you wont have to worry about the pesky
center brace on your tank, and this will be your best shot to avoid the
chiller (least heat transfer to the tank).> Im trying to refrain
from coral questions till I have read more. If you can think of some
common names I can use in the search engine to find some of the easier
beginner corals that might narrow my search, Id love to see them. <A
trick question! I suggest picking up a book or flipping further through
WWM and deciding what you are interested in, that is what counts! Then
you can build your system to suit the needs (amount of lighting/water
flow, placement, general care). Do be sure to also take a look at
compatibility between different corals that interest you.>
<<Good answer. RMF>> Thanks again, Thomas Roach
<Welcome, Scott V. Oh, one last thing. Do check out the site listed
below, it was put together by our own Sara M. Great site giving you the
basics on many of the commonly available corals.> http://www.asira.org/caresheets
Re:
Lighting New Reef 8/27/08 T5 it will be then! Thanks so much
again. I've noticed that these fixtures all seem to have 39w bulbs,
but how many is sufficient? 4 bulbs? 6 bulbs? 8 bulbs? Those seem to be
the common offerings. <It again depends on your desired livestock,
but the 8 bulb could be suitable for most anything. This will give you
the intensity to keep higher light needing corals (with correct
placement) and the ability to keep lower light corals if you wish. You
can always run lower intensity (bluer) bulbs, or even shut some bulbs
off. > My interpretations from the reading is that a 10k mix with
some Actinic bulbs would be best. <It is the best mix, dont get too
caught up in having a ton of actinic. A few is all that you will need
to get the look. Where the actinics are positioned inside the fixture
itself can have a huge impact on the look of the tank. Play with the
configuration a bit to see what you like.> Oh, and by 'reef
ready' I mean that it has a built in overflow. I want everything
contained within the sump so that nothing is visible or hanging on the
tank. <Very good.> Thanks again! <Welcome, Scott V.> Thomas
Roach
Lighting for
55 Gallon Reef 8/16/08 Hello All, <Ramon.> I have a 55 Gallon
tank that I want to start growing mostly polyps, and mushrooms, maybe
one or two pieces of soft coral. <Okay> My lighting now is 1 32w
48" single light strip with a "zoo med" Flora Sun bulb
at 8500k, 1 17w 24" single light strip with a "zoo med"
Reef Sun 50/50 bulb and 1 48w 24" Nova Extreme with a 10,000k bulb
and a 460 actinic both T-5. My question is will this be enough light
for what I want to survive and grow or do I need to get a different
fixture? <It will be a bit on the low side even for this
livestock.> I also have 1 40w 48" 18000k bulb that can replace
the 8500k bulb should I replace it or just leave it alone? <The
lower Kelvin bulb will offer more usable light.> I also have a dual
PowerCompact light fixture that has 4x65watts with only 6700k bulbs in
it. <I would add this fixture to the tank, if it is not already. The
6700K bulbs will be yellow for the taste of most, swapping these out
for a couple of 10000K and a couple of 50/50 actinic/daylight will give
you an appealing look and enough light. Of course, if you do not mind
the look of the 6700K bulbs, they will work fine.> Thanks again for
your help and also for the best website on the web. When I first go
online your daily asked questions are the first thing I read, even
before I check my mail. As always keep up the good work and I will keep
reading. I'm glad help is just a "click" away thanks to
you and your staff. <Heee, thank you.> Ramon Ortiz, Tampa FL.
<Scott V., back in Fresno Ca. for the time being.>
Re: Lighting
for 55 Gallon Reef 8/17/08 Wouldn't having the 67k bulbs on
bring unwanted algae? <Not without the other factors that fuel algae
(nitrate, general excess nutrients). The holy grail for coral growth is
still the Iwasaki 6500K bulb. This spectrum bulb is better for growing
photosynthetic organisms, zooxanthellae and unwanted algae alike.>
Also, how long should I run the lights? <Twelve hours or so for this
lighting.> Right now I have button polyps and it's 3/4"
from the top should I move it down when I put the other light fixture?
Also how far down should I go? <I would, to 10 or so, move up over
time if you wish.> I can't change the 67k right now, I can only
change a bulb once a month, would this be fine or just wait until I get
all of them? <You could wait with your polyps this close to your
current lighting, or make the switch if you are okay with the look.>
Thanks again, Ramon Ortiz. <Welcome, Scott V.>
Reef Lighting -
Would like to purchase new bulbs 8/1/08 - need help. Reef Lighting
8/1/08 Guys: <And gals!> I am rounding the corner to
understanding the last frontier of reef tanks for me - since I've
made most mistakes that could be made (except overstocking,
compatibility and not waiting for cycling), <The most common
mistakes.> in the last 18 months (despite months of beforehand
reading), and I am now making a genuine effort to understand reef
lighting, now that I think I've got my flow problems solved (the
second to the last frontier for me). I know, I know, lighting (and
flow) should have been first in my understanding, but it just seemed
too complex and controversial for me to tackle then. I have the time
and money wasted to prove it. <Trust me, we all have the time and
money to show! Lighting and flow can be changed after the fact, tank,
stand and drains should be the first consideration. These require
tearing down the whole system to change. What you are going through is
the natural evolution of reefkeeping.> Now that my bulbs needs
changing (overdue actually) - I've stepped up my efforts to get
lighting right this time (and not just listen to the fish store
people). <!> I think I understand all the facts of light (though
not the nuances) and am ready to purchase new bulbs. <OK>
However, since lighting is most expensive, I just flat out want your
opinion on what to do for my specific wants and needs, tank size and
inhabitants. What lighting is best for a 26 gallon bow front reef tank?
<Depends.> My current light is a 24" Nova Extreme T-5 HO
10,000K daylight with actinics and moonlights - but for a total of only
96 watts, daylights and actinics included! <This ratio can be
changed by swapping bulbs, if you are ok with the look.> Now that I
better understand lighting (I think), it seems to me that there is
little wonder I have had very little success with most corals (when all
other factors are controlled for). This seems like very minimal light -
all things considered. Am I correct? <Really depends on what you
want to keep. Lack of success in such a small system starting out could
very well be due to instability rather than just lighting.> At 8 wpg
- it seems that I should have at least an approximate total of 200w. Or
would 6 wpg be better (150W)? I've even heard up to 10 wpg (250W)!
All I know now, is I have about 3 wpg and they are old (as bulbs go).
<WPG is a poor measure of lighting. In a small tank like this you
can in many cases get away with less due to the fact that your corals
will inherently be close to the light.> Welcome nuisance algae (even
when all other factors are controlled for). <Another common hazard
in small systems, but large systems as well.> I do not have room for
a chiller (unless I get one of the nano hang-on-tank ones (that got
surprisingly good user reviews), so it looks like metal halide is out
of the question for now, at least. <Without a chiller, likely is out
of the question.> So, I guess I'll stick with fluorescents that
go in my current fixture, but I REALLY want to achieve the crisp
shimmery look, with a bright white light with slight purplish color
(rather than the bluer look) that I see in some tanks on the web and in
stores. <I love this effect, but have also grown tired of it in
time. The overall power savings of T5s now have me enamored. LEDs
provide both, with a huge upfront cost!> I absolutely do not prefer
yellows, which accentuate any flaw in the tank, such as the seemingly
obligatory occasional spot of Cyano or green algae. Seems to me not
only is the crisp white-purple appealing to the eye, but it also hides
the drabber colors in an aquarium - something I wish to do, at least
until I get a tank full of colorful corals. I've had it with the
grey-greens! I need enough watts to grow a mixed reef - but not
"fry" my 2 false perculas and green chromis damsel with the
intensity or heat (or my detritivores, for that matter). This is just
about all that is in the tank, save a few zoo frags and a finger
leather frag. <You will not want to mix too much diversity in such
confines.> Can you tell me what 4 bulb combination to use (that can
be accommodated by my current fixture), so far as the Kelvin rating,
the wattage, variety, intensity and spectrum of each bulb to achieve
the visual effect I want as described above? (I hear there are
different ranges of blues and purples in actinic bulbs, to further
confuse me.) <If you are looking for a very blue hue you will want
two true actinic 03 bulbs, peaking between 420 to 430 nanometers. The
balance will be 10000K daylight bulbs. But, for more useable light for
corals, I would recommend going with a single actinic, placed in the
front of the fixture, with three daylight bulbs. You will actually be
able to keep quite a variety of corals with this.> Obviously, I want
the best prospect of succeeding with a varied range of corals, and heat
reduction without having to use a chiller, but still be able to achieve
that bright white-purply shimmery effect. <At most I would consider
adding a bulb or two to your current setup.> Is this possible with
the type of bulbs my fixture takes and under which different varieties
of corals can survive/thrive (softies, stonies, etc.). Your
recommending a photo cycle will be helpful also. <It is possible to
achieve a happy balance, but I would not keep both soft corals and
SPS/LPS in such a system. Photo period will need to be 12 hours a
day.> P.S. Just got Bob's book and love it - read it all in one
night! <A fellow addict!> Should have had it from the beginning,
instead of having stacks and stacks of internet articles. <Some of
the internet resources, particularly those from WWM are great.> Bob
covers it all in one place. Too bad he did not directly address a 26g
bow front reef with a white-purplish shimmery effect. LOL <I had the
same problem years ago ? The book really is an invaluable resource.>
Thanks! Again! <Very welcome.> Aleasha Baltimore, MD <Scott
V., Fresno, CA.>
55 Gallon Flat
Back Hex Lighting Question, Reef set-up 6/26/08 Hello!
<William> I just recently went to a club meeting at which Bob
Fenner spoke for a few hours and I must say that I learned a great deal
J. <Me too> My question relates to a new tank that I am setting
up. I purchased a 55 gallon acrylic flat back hex tank (48 long x 20
tall x 16 deep) used from a LFS used this summer (darn being a poor
college student). <Richer than I was!> It came with a Marineland
Canister Filter, Coralife 4x64W PC light, stand, and a 10 inch tall
canopy. I recently purchased a Pacific Coast Imports RPS-1000 skimmer
to go with a sump/refugium that I am putting together to go underneath
the tank. The plan is to be patient and set up the tank when I go back
to school in early August so I am gathering all the pieces for the tank
before I go. <Good> Currently I have a 37gallon tank (30 long x
24tall x 12 deep) with about 50 pounds of live rock. I am running a
Koralia nano, Koralia 2, and a powerhead from Petco for water flow. I
am using a BAKPAK 2 skimmer hanging on the back of the tank. Also a
250w/ 2x24w T5's combination light by Sunlight Supply (Maristar).
The tank has been running for around 10 months and going strong. I have
two percula clowns, a mandarin, and a peppermint shrimp. There is also
a GBTA, <Mmm... this may eat your Mandarin> and a purple long
tentacle anemone. <And not a good idea to mix anemones! Read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/CnidIndex2.htm> A little bit of xenia, some
Zoa's, a green/pink Yuma, and some sun coral (the non light using
kind, can't remember the name for it). The GBTA has been in the
tank for about 8 months and the long tentacle about 6 and a half
months. <Well... looks like they're getting along> My
question is that when I move the inhabitants to the new tank what would
be the best light for the new tank? <Posted... for a two foot depth
of watter... of this length system... two smaller watt MHs of about 14K
temp.> The only thing that I would be adding to this tank is
possibly a few more LPS and maybe a Kole Tang. (would also like to know
if he will be unsuitable for a 55g as I will be keeping this tank for
sure for two more years at school). I am interested in something along
the lines of MH as that seems to be treating the anemone's well and
that is the main focus for the new tank the relationship between the
Percula's and anemone's. I am planning to have about a 3 inch
sandbed in the new tank as the long tentacle is buried very deeply in
my 3-4 inch sandbed in the 37g tank. So I am just wondering what would
be the best wattage lighting for this tank as I don't want to have
too much on the tank, and I don't plan on having sps anytime soon,
the anemone just fascinate me too much to get away from. Thank you so
much in advance I seem to have run into a wall on this one. ~Will Bowen
<And here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marsetupindex2.htm the tray at
bottom. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Lighting 100
gallon Reef 6/20/08 I'm upgrading to a 100 gallon aquarium ( 72
X 18.5 X 19.5 ) which will house LPS ( specifically bubble, lots of
Euphyllia ) and some soft corals and Zoanthids. For the lights I'd
rather stay away from metal halide, I'm wondering if T5's or
Power compacts would be enough for a tank of this nature. <Oh
yes.> Theres a fixture I'm looking at that has 4 96 watt power
compact bulbs. I'm hoping since the tank is relative shallow that
this lighting will be good, but I'd much rather go a little high on
lights than a little low. Thanks for you opinion. <This fixture will
work out fine. Do consider the T5s also for the flexibility of bulbs.
With the PCs you will likely end up running two actinics and two
daylights, making your lighting 50% actinic. With a T5 fixture in a
comparable wattage you will be able to fine-tune the amount of actinics
to get the look you want since each individual bulb is of smaller
wattage and will run the span of the tank. Welcome, enjoy the new tank,
Scott V.>
Coral Lighting/Reading 6/12/08 Hello!
<Hello.> I would like to get some advice about coral lighting.
<OK> I have 135 Gallons tank FOWLR (72"x18"x22").
I got peaceful fishes and they are reef safe. I have a castle
decoration on my aquarium and around 60 lbs of live rocks and 125 lbs
of live sand. I'm using 2 Fluval FX5 filter, AquaC Remora Pro
protein skimmer and 4 Koralia #4 powerheads with alternating setup (2
running and 2 off then will switch every 15 min.s). <This will wear
them prematurely, startup is the hardest phase on an electrical motor.
Simply pointing them at each other to create a turbulent/random flow is
sufficient.> My plan is to put 5-7 corals and anemones as addition
to the decorations. <Corals and Anemones do not mix well.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/anemones.htm
> I'm already looking for the lighting with daylight, actinics
and moonlight fixture. What is the minimum watts I can use and what
type of corals I can put? <It is a matter of researching exactly
what you wish to keep and build your lighting around the needs of the
desired livestock. Anywhere from a few hundred watts on up.> I have
a pair true percula so I will need a suggestion what type of anemones
with get along with them. <Posted in the above link.> Also will
appreciate if you can list the corals that I can put on my aquarium.
<Well, without shooting at the mouth too much, nothing and anything.
Obviously nothing until you get lighting, but anything once you do
(with the lighting built around what you wish to keep). You are
starting with a fresh slate here. Start a list with the corals you
desire the most and work down researching WWM and other resources
regarding compatibility. All the answers you desire are posted
throughout. The biggest piece of advice I can give you here is to stick
to this list, carefully planned out. Avoid impulse buys, look before
you leap. You will save yourself much trouble this way.> Thanks!
<Welcome, Scott V.>
Reef Tank
Lighting Change 06/11/08 Morning Crew! <<Hello!>> I
have a 40 gal. reef tank currently using a Coralife 50/50 96 watt
light. The tank includes: Finger Leather Bubble Coral (Reef Tank
Lighting Change Take Two) Sorry for the screw up, I sent my e-mail
totally unfinished. <<No worries, I have merely appended it
here>> Anyway, back to the corals. Finger Leather Bubble Coral
Condylactis <<Mmmcan spell trouble, especially in such a small
volume (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/condylactis.htm)>> Hammer
Coral Colt Coral 3" Green mushroom 2 large Mushroom polyp frags,
30 - 40 polyps each Red Button Polyp frag Green Button Polyp frag
Christmas Tree Worm rock And for the non-corals Maroon Clown Coral
beauty <<Really needs more space than this tank provides>>
Pajama Cardinal Lawnmower Blenny Sally Lightfoot Peppermint Shrimp
Snails and Hermits As I said we currently use a Coralife 50/50 96 watt,
and want to upgrade to a Coralife 50/50 192 watt we got a good deal on
at our LFS. <<Hmm, okaythough I think the first unit was probably
adequate for this tank>> Since this will be roughly twice the
amount of light, I would like to know, first, if it is too much light,
<<Possibly for the Corallimorpharians and even the Plerogyrabut
you may be able to position these to reduce the amount of direct light
they receive>> and if we make the switch, what is the best way to
adjust the corals? <<One method is to use a piece of plastic
egg-crate, cut to fit on top of your tank, to support three or four
layers of fiberglass screen material (also cut to fit the top of the
tank). Place the egg-crate and screen material under the new lights and
remove a layer every three days until all is off. You can have a look
here and among the associated links for more ideas
(http://www.wetwebmedia.com/acclimcoralslight.htm)>> I've
read that Mushrooms can be very sensitive to lighting change, but the
Leather and Hammer both need LOTS of light. <<Many factors can
affect this (e.g. species, collection location, water quality/clarity,
placement in the tank, etc.), but generally speaking yes, the
Corallimorphs will fare well (as will that Bubble Coral) and show
better color (many have a tendency to turn brown under lighting that is
too intense) under less illumination than the other species you listed.
Even so, in this 40g tank the single 96w bulb was probably fineor you
could simply have exchanged the 50/50 bulb for an all 10K bulb and been
fine as well>> Please give me some pointers if you could.
<<Hope I have!>> Much appreciated! Amanda <<Happy to
share. Eric Russell>>
Coral lighting
06/06/2008 Hello everyone, <<Hello Marc, Andrew this
afternoon>> I appreciate all your help. I've had a lot of
questions, here at the beginning of my saltwater hobby, but I just want
to get things right the first time. I have already asked before about
corals that are compatible with my light. I have a 75 gallon tank, with
a Coralife compact fluorescent with 2 65 watt bulbs. And I was told
mushrooms, polyps, Xenia, and some leathers. I'm really just
looking to do mushrooms and a toadstool leather. Is this light
sufficient, or will it just "get me by". What ever I go with,
I really want it to thrive. Thanks again for your help. <<To be
honest, its sounds fine to me. I would not say the leather will
"thrive", however, its "acceptable"
lighting.>> Marc <<Thanks for the questions, A
Nixon>>
Lighting, reef
5/3/08 Hi everyone, <Marc.> I have doing a lot of research on
your website, and it has helped me out a lot. <Great!> I have
been reading up on lighting and I still can't find a straight
answer to my question. I have a 75 gallon fowler tank, and I'm
starting to look into doing some corals. I have been careful not to add
any fish to the aquarium that are not compatible. <It is a good
practice to research and plan stocking.> The tank is still new,
about 8 weeks, and the livestock seems to be doing well, now that I
fixed the problem of fish jumping out of the tank! <Oops!>
Currently I have a Coralife PC with two 65 watt 10,000k bulbs. I am
looking to replace the light, even for just looks alone, but I figured,
if I'm going to switch, I should look into to getting a light for
corals now. <More planning ahead, awesome!> I was really hoping
to get either a PC fixture with 4 65watt 10'000k bulbs, or a T5
fixture with 4 55 watt HO bulbs. Are either of this adequate for any
corals, and if so, which ones? <Lower light corals such as zoos,
most soft corals and many LPS will work with this lighting.> And how
about for anemones? <No, you will need about twice this amount of
light, more for some species. Even with adequate lighting it is a good
idea to skip the anemone unless you want a tank nearly dedicated to
one.> That is the other route I was looking to take. And how long
should I wait to add corals or anemones if I have the right light? Or
am I all set now that the water quality is where it should be? <I
will have to take your word the water quality is good. The another big
factor with a newer tank is stability. Assuming both these are there
you will be ready to start adding corals if you wish, do so slowly.>
Thanks Marc <Welcome, good luck, Scott V.>
Re: Lighting 5/4/08 Thanks for your
help. <Welcome.> After receiving that information I've
decided to wait and see if I'm going to want to do any stony corals
that I would just have to replace the light again anyway. In the
interim though, is the light I have now ( the Coralife with just two 65
watt bulbs) enough light for live rock, and will it still produce
coralline algae? <The light will be fine for coralline algae and the
live rock.> Also, are there any corals that can live in this light,
if so which ones, and would these corals, if any, be able to survive if
I end up switching to metal halides in the future? <Any of the
corals mentioned in our previous correspondence will work and make the
switch fine with careful placement and acclimation.> Thanks Marc
<Welcome, have fun, Scott V.>
Reef Lighting 4/26/08
My head is spinning trying to make sense of lighting ... I have a 95
gallon wave aquarium (very similar to the standard 90 gallon). I am
looking at a fixture which has 2 x 150 watt HQI's and 4 54 watt T5
HO's for accent lighting along with some lunar lights. <A nice
combo.> Would this be sufficient to house softies, LPS, SPS and
clams if placement is done carefully. <Yes, with careful placement
as mentioned.> The reason I'm looking at this fixture is I'm
really trying to cut down on the amount of heat so I can avoid a
chiller. <I hear you, a constant battle to avoid a chiller!>
Thanks for any info Tim <This combo will work out fine. Keep in mind
the 10000K bulbs will give you more usable light out of these 150s than
the higher K bulbs, this can make a huge difference in success with
this lighting. Welcome, Scott V.>
Coral Glue And
Coral Light Absorption (Photoperiod) 04/12/08 Awhile ago I got a
couple of corals that came with a silicone type glue that mounted them
to the rock. At the time, I didn't think it would be so good and
don't recall where I got these corals. This glue bonds to rock just
by placing it on top of it. I have tried to locate this material at all
the tropical shops in my area but no one carries it or knows what it
is. It is not "super glue" or putty - it stays flexible and
doesn't need to be reapplied. Can you help? What is it and where
can I get it? <<I can only guess, but there are some better
underwater epoxies that remain flexible. These products form a
molecular bond that is quite tenacious. Theyre quite pricey tooat
around $50 per quart>> On the coral's light absorption - how
many hours of light do they really need daily using optimum lighting?
<<Optimum lighting will vary by speciesbut lighting in the
tropics where most all specimens we strive to keep hail from averages a
bit more than 12-hours per dayand at an intensity we can only dream of
replicating>> Does it vary by type of coral?
<<Indeed>> I have polyp types, leathers, frogspawns,
elegance and coral plates. Thank you. <<I suggest you provide a
lighting period of somewhere between 10 and 14 hours per daydepending
on quality/intensity of the lighting. EricR>>
Re: Setting Up
110 Gallon Reef System... Why not read? 03/22/2008 Hello
Again Crew, Mystery man, Ron here again. <<Hello again, Andrew
today>> I have attached your last reply to me. You have addressed
all of my concerns, so far. I hope this is the last one??? <<Ask
as many as you like>> Here's my question for you. I have
decided not to hold off on getting my lighting system. The tank is a
110 gallon 48 Lx 18 W x 30 D. It is going to be a reef system with no
SPS. I do want to be able to keep Clams, LPS, soft corals and of course
inverts.. <<Sounds good>> Now, I needed your suggestions. I
have looked at the Outer Orbit HQI + HO T 5, 2 x 150 10K HQI, 4 x 54 T
5 actinic, 18 lunar and the Obit HQI-Metal Halide & Actinic Power
Compact 2 x 150 10K HQI , 2 x 130CP actinic, 6 lunar lights. Would
either of these supply enough light and do I not need to use Halides at
all? I want a nice looking system when the lights are on at a
reasonable price. I am not stuck on the Orbit brand, so if there is
some other brand you prefer, let me know. <<With the depth of
your tank, 30 inches, i think it would be best to go with a halide
system if you want good light penetration down to the bottom of the
tank. Something like a 2 x 250w or even 2 x 400w system would be a good
choice in my opinion as depending on the type of clam you want, some
prefer to placed on the bottom of the tank..>> The whole crew has
been great at answering my questions and in record time. Thank Again,
Ron <<Thanks for the questions, hope this helps. A
Nixon>>
Lighting?
3/10/08 I have a 90 gallon marine aquarium that is 25 inches tall.
Is four 54 watt HO T-5 bulbs enough light for this tank with low light
corals and an anemone? <This will be a little low for the anemone, I
would add another two or more bulbs in the daylight (10K) spectrum for
the lower light anemones, some will require the leap to metal halides.
You will need to research the specific species of anemone you want to
keep for its lighting requirements and compatibility with whichever
corals you want to keep with it, generally not a good idea to mix.>
If not, what is your suggestions for additional light? Tanks a lot!
<Welcome, happy reefing, Scott V.>
Lighting... 75
reef... 03/09/2008 Hi crew, <<Hello Ron, Andrew
today>> my question is about getting the most bang for my buck
when it comes to lighting. My tank is a 75 gallon ,with protein
skimmer, refugium, and live rock. The fish that occupy the tank are a
potters angel, leopard wrasse, yellow tang, two percula clowns, and two
Bubbletip anemones that have divided several times. My current lighting
is a four bulb t5 system. I was considering increasing the light for
the anemones, and would like know if it would be a good idea to go with
metal halide lights or a six bulb t5 lighting system some of my concern
is overheating. Thanks Ron <<The answer, in my opinion, would be
to upgrade to either 150w or even 250w metal halide unit. This will
remove near enough all limitations on stocking capabilities. Heat wise,
a simple clip on fan from a DIY store would suffice, blowing across the
water surface.>> <<Hope this helps. A
Nixon>>
| Thanks/ Lighting/ ID 2/29/08 Hello
Crew- <Esther...> As I approach the one year anniversary of
very first marine tank I would like to thank you for providing so
much information on your site; which has led to my success in this
hobby! My fish are waving their fins in cheers as well, as they
benefit the most I think! <You're all welcome> Setup/
Specs: 75 gallon (48 x 18 x 21), Aqua C Remora Pro with Mag pump,
90 lbs. live rock, 3 power heads for water movement, and Corallife
PC 260W lighting fixture. Ammonia: 0, Nitrate: 0, Nitrite: 0, dKH:
11.8, Calcium: 440. Aside from the hitchhiker Zoanthids, (and the
ID below) I am just starting into corals and only have a Candy Cane
coral right now. But as it is time to change my light bulbs again,
I started thinking that at $30 each bulb for 4 bulbs every six
months it is, in the long run, not very economical and that there
better options out there. I have been looking into T5 lighting (I
am not able to do MH) but want to know if you really don't need
to change the bulbs as often? <Correct> So I have been
looking at the Nova Extreme and the Nova Extreme Pro. The Pro has 6
x 54W, but with individual reflectors, and the other has 8 x 54W
but with a single parabolic reflector. After some reading, I think
that the individual reflectors are the better choice because of the
'light absorption back into the bulb loss' is less with the
individual reflectors. Thoughts on this? <This is also so> My
wish list for future corals would be: Blastomussa, Cynarina or
Lobophyllia, and a plate Montipora; could these be kept under
either of the above lighting? <Yes> Lastly, I have a small
colony of hitchhikers I can't seem to identify and hoping you
might have a clue. They are about 1/8" in diameter and after I
noticed the first one, (about 4 months after getting that piece of
rock), they have started multiplying. I've included (for hopes
of an easier ID for you) a shot of a grouping of them, as well as
the mouth and a skeletal make-up. I would love to know what they
are so I can record it in my saltwater log. Thanks again! Esther
<Are stony corals... scleractinians... I think a
Caryophylliid... testimony to your good care here. Bob
Fenner> |
|
|
Reef Lighting
2/28/08 Evening Crew, <Good morning here.> Thanks for sharing
your knowledge and experience with all of us. <You're
welcome.> You all were of great help as I selected my pumps and
skimmer. I went with an Iwaki MD-40rxlt for my closed loop, an Eheim
1262 for my sump and the EuroReef RS-100 skimmer. I'm getting to
ready fill with water and LR and want to start preparing to upgrade the
current 48" Top Aquaria Series light that contains 3 10k 36w
bulbs. I have an 80gl bowfront tank in which I plan on stocking with a
combination of LPS (Frogspawn, Hammer Coral) and SPS (Montipora
capricornis, Acropora), Zoanthids, a BTA, <Would not put the BTA in
a coral system.> xenia, leathers and a clam or 2. I've tried to
read up on lighting requirements but am just not sure which way to
head. All the lighting options and wattage ratings are confusing me.
Can you simplify the pros/cons of MH vs. T5? If I go T5, will 6 54w
bulbs be enough? If I go with MW, will 2 150w with T5 actinics be
enough? I'm hoping to just make one purchase and not have to
upgrade in a year. My only current experience with lighting is>
currently a 24" Corallife pc with actinics and lunar LEDs on my
20gl. I really enjoy the variable lighting from dusk to dawn and the
faint lighting in the evening from the LEDs. However, I've been
considering upgrading the 20gl as well so I can add a wider variety of
corals. <Do read here and linked files above.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marlgtganthony.htm Thanks in advance.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Reef Lighting,
metal halide and livestock requirements
2/19/08 Hi,
<Hi Jay> Great website and I have enjoyed researching on it.
<Thank you.> I have a quick question on a newly acquired system
that I got from a friend of mine that was moving. It is a standard 75g,
48Lx18Wx20H. It has a dual Hamilton ReefStar unit with two 150w HQI DE
14K bulbs in a wood canopy (2 fans, one pulling and one pushing). The
protective glass under the bulbs is about 10" from the waters
surface. It also has a retro unit consisting of 2-96w PC bulbs mounted
in the top of the hood, but they are about 12" from the surface,
hence I'm thinking the PC's are not going to be much benefit
being so far up. <Not too much with a 20" deep tank. Can you
lower the hood anyway?> My question is on livestock with the dual
150w HQI's: Would a couple of blue/green Crocea Clams/ Blue Maximas
and a few SPS do well in the middle to upper part of this tank? I also
plan on having some Zoanthids, Ricordea, and LPS like Frogspawn,
Hammer, and Acans. It would be a slightly mixed reef, with less
emphasis on the clams and SPS, maybe 1-2 clams and 5-8 SPS. Thanks for
your great work and help. <Clams seem to prefer being on the bottom,
preferably on a sandy substrate. In this regard, considering the depth
of your tank and lighting placement, I'd go with either Derasa or
Squamosa Clams which do not require the lighting intensity that the
Maximas do. Any SPS should be kept in the upper third of the tank. Read
here for more info on clams.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/Clam_care/Clam_care.htm James
(Salty Dog)> Jay
Lighting a 65
Gallon Reef 2/13/08 Hello, I've found your website very helpful
for many things, and have searched it over and found many conflicting
opinions on lighting. <Lighting a reef has personal preference as a
component, hence the differing opinions.> I realize that there is no
"right" answer, but I was looking for an opinion on this
specific tank. I plan on setting up a 65 gallon tank with sump,
skimmer, approximately 100 pounds of liverock and a 4 inch sandbed.
<Sounds like a nice setup.> Right now I have mostly LPS and some
soft corals in a smaller tank, but in the new setup I would like to
experiment with some Montipora and clams. A lot of the articles seem to
prefer VHO, HO etc. fluorescent lighting, but I worry about the light
penetration from these lights in a 24" deep tank. <With enough
bulbs fluorescents will work fine. Perhaps consider a T5 fixture with
six or so 39W bulbs.> Would metal halides be my best bet? <It is
definitely a viable option.> If so, would a 250 Watt HQI IceCap
Pendant be sufficient? <Definitely, the problem is that these tanks
generally have a plastic center brace. If it does you will likely want
two Halides to avoid casting an unsightly shadow in the tank. In this
case I recommend two 150W units. If you have no center brace one 250
will be perfect. The center brace will not be an issue with
fluorescents.> With no hood on the tank, would heat buildup be an
issue if hung approx. 12" off the surface? <You will have more
heat imparted into the water with halides, but you can help this out
with a fan blowing between the surface of the water and the light. You
may need a chiller depending on the ambient temperature in your area
and your other equipment; it is possible you may need one anyway
without the halide.> What bulb would you recommend? <Again, this
is greatly personal preference. I like the 10K offerings out there,
they give more usable light for your money spent on electricity without
looking too yellow for my taste.> Thank you. <Welcome, happy
reefing, Scott V.>
Re: Need
Lighting Help... reef 01/25/2008 Hi Andrew,
<<Tiffany...>> Thank you very much for the timely response.
I have been contemplating between two lighting systems.... the first
obviously has more wattage and is a big more expensive, but the second
one has built in timers which I thought was a great feature. Both have
individual reflectors which I thought would be good for the light
intensity. Any opinions or have you heard anything on either of these
fixtures? 48" Nova Extreme Pro 6x54watt --> 359.00 48 inch
Current USA SunDial T5 HO 4x54W w/ Timers & LED --> 269.99
<<Both are good lighting fixtures. My preference would be the
Nova extreme out of the two, I feel this is a very good choice
although, yes, you would have to buy timers too. The Sundial, although
cheap is 100w less and I feel the extra 100w form the Nova pretty much
covers you in lighting requirements to keep a huge selection of coral
in the tank>> Thanks! Tiffany <<Thanks for the feedback,
reply.. A Nixon>>
Lighting
Overkill? 1/23/08 I currently have a 65 gallon, 36x18x24, I already
have 2 150W halides with 20K radium bulbs. I would like to upgrade to a
system that has 2 250W 10K halides with 4 T5 actinics. This would give
me around 656W, but that is over 10 watts a gallon. I plan on housing
more sps and clams in the future. Should I stick with this idea or go
with a less wattage of halide, like 2 175W mogul with T5's. <I
would be inclined to stay with your current fixture with bulbs in a
better (10K) spectrum.> I currently have DE bulbs and the lighting
in question has DE bulbs. I currently have just polyps, some
micromussa, a tort, purple fuzzy and a BTA. Would like clams to live in
the tank, 2 died under the 150W's. <Not enough usable light with
the 20K.> I'm having a big problem deciding. Thanks for your
patience. Also, no heat issues right now, but will I have serious heat
issues if I do go with the 250's, <Quite possible.> Thanks
<You will realize a large increase in light your corals/clams can
use with the simple switch to a lower wattage bulb. Two 250W would be
overkill in my opinion considering it is a three foot tank and the
lights will overlap quite a bit. The 175W would be fine, but again
different bulbs in the 150W fixture would be the way to go considering
the lighting will overlap. Check out the link below, noting the
difference in PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density; what your
corals use) between the 10K and 20K bulbs. Welcome, hope this helps you
decide, Scott V.>
| Best Lighting? 1/21/08 Hello,
<Hello Tom.> I have a four year old 20 gallon setup with the
following livestock: maroon clown yellow-tailed blue damsel coral
banded shrimp feather duster star polyps torch coral birdsnest
xenia zoanthids Palythoa 2 acropora (ora roscoe and a brown one
received at MACNA this year) Pavona snails (Cerith, margarita, and
Nassarius) Oxypora (frag 1 inch) <Wow, one busy 20 gal.>
Hardware: 24" Coralife PC (one 65watt 10,000K and one 65watt
50/50) Hydor Koralia #1 Sea Clone 100 (I modified it to be a needle
wheel and adjusted the collection cup.) I would like to purchase a
HQI light for my tank, so I can add more SPS and get the best color
out of them but I do not want a chiller and can not hang the light
from the ceiling (because I rent). I would like to know in your
opinion what would be the best possible fixture for me? I was
looking at the 24" SunPod with a 14K 150 watt bulb but it
would have to sit on the mounting pegs it comes with and I did not
want to "cook" my tank. Is there other options for me to
get the best lighting or should I stick with what I have do to my
tank volume? <Depending on the ambient temperature you may be
able to run the MH, but there is always the chance this will push
you into needing a chiller, especially on such a small system. I
would either stick with what you have (it is working, right?) or
look into some of the T5 fixtures out there if you want more
intensity from your light. The PCs you have can sustain what you
list, of course with the SPS closer to the light.> I appreciate
your help! Thank you, Tom (enclosed is a picture of my current
setup as of today 1/22/2008) <Welcome, this looks like a nice
system, you may need more room as everything grows! I hope this
helps you decide, good luck, Scott V.> |
|
|
Reef Lighting
Upgrade Do I need It? 01/11/08 I have a 75 gallon reef system which
houses a variety of LPS, soft corals and Zoanthids.
<<Okay>> I currently have two 175 watt 15000K metal halides
providing the light for this setup. <<I see>> While this,
to me, seems more than sufficient, <<Agreed>> I was
recently tempted by an advertisement for an Odyssea Metal Halide system
with two 250 watt HQI's and four 65 watt compact fluorescents with
lunar LED's all for a very modest price. <<Mmm, more light
than you need I suspectand do be aware, you get what you pay
for>> The metal halides I currently use are nothing special, a
retro kit I got online, <<Nothing wrong with retro kits>>
so I assume I won't be deviating too far from where I am currently
regarding quality. <<Not necessarily Personally, I am leery of
this product/vendor>> Unfortunately, my current budget
wouldn't allow a "name brand" higher quality lighting
setup. <<Best to stick with DIY fixtures built from retro kits
thenin my opinion. You can go too cheap>> My main question is
whether or not a 760 Watt lighting package can be maintained in a tank
such as mine or will this level of lighting do more harm than good to
my coral inhabitants? <<I dont think you need it. If you have a
desire for more intensity/PARthis can easily be attained by replacing
the 15000K lamps with lamps of a lower Kelvin. If youre worried about
losing that blue look, spend those bucks on some T5 fixtures with
Actinic lamps to add to the existing lighting>> My tank is an
open top and, without running fans, it stays between 77 and 80 degrees.
<<Going to a higher wattage MH bulb may change this>> How
much temperature increase should I expect if I were to upgrade?
<<Hard to say Will depend much on currently airflow, ambient room
temperature>> Thanks for your insight and advice. <<Hope
its been of use. Regards, EricR>>
Re: Reef
Lighting Upgrade...Do I need It? - 01/12/08 As always, thanks for
the fast response. <<Quite welcome>> I realize that 760
watts is overkill for my tank, <<Indeed>> but do you feel
it would harm the inhabitants, or is it simply more light than I need?
<<More than you need The current inhabitants could likely be
acclimated to more lightbut that doesnt mean they would prosper under
more light than they need/can make use of. It is not unusual for deeper
water specimens (Corallimorphs, some LPS species, etc.) to lose
color/turn brown under lighting that is too intense/more intense than
that in their natural surrounds>> Thanks again for your help!
<<Cheers EricR>>
Reef Lighting
1/10/08 Hello, <Hi Renee> Again, I find myself confused about
something and needing a steer or two in the proper direction. <We
can do that.> I have a 75 gallon Tru Vu Aquarium (4'
long...standard sized) with an overflow built down the center (wrong
spot for an overflow, IMHO, but it works for me), and the first
question is if the lighting is sufficient. I have a wet/dry, Bak Pak
skimmer, heaters and various powerheads in the tank, as well as a hood
and stand. On that tank, I have 2 50/50 96 watt CF 34" bulbs
staggered. So, I'm not sure if each bulb contains 192 watts or 96
watts. <Each lamp is 96 watts for a total wattage of 192.> What I
grow in there are Colt, polyps, mushrooms and Condys. <No where near
enough light to satisfy a Condy, and may not be enough for the Colt
Coral.> In my next tank, a 29 gallon standard sized aquarium, I have
no lighting as of yet. What will go in there is almost anything I can
put in. I have an opportunity for a 150 watt HQI Pendant. I would add
to that a T5 strip with one blue one white, if necessary. What kinds of
corals would I be limited to if I go with this setup? Can I put a BTA
in there and would it be sufficient lighting for it? <A 150 watt HQI
would allow you to grow most anything. The 29 is too small for a BTA,
water parameters have a better chance of changing in smaller tanks,
something the anemones don't tolerate too well. As for the strip
light, it would just be in the way and isn't really necessary with
the 150 watt HQI. My choice here would be to go with a 14K lamp.>
Last, but not least, I have a 25 tall Eclipse 2 converted system. It
has a compact fluorescent double white bulb in front, and a set of T5s
in the center, by Corallife, one white, one blue and I have one small
CF daylight lamp on the side of it aimed at my BTA which lives in
there. I wonder, is that enough light or should I amp that up? Do you
have any suggestions as to the type I should place on there or should I
just put that BTA into the 29 when it gets going? It is healthy, not
bleached at this time. I am sorry for such stupid questions. I am not
only a novice, but being a woman, I don't deal with lighting very
often. In freshwater systems, it's so much simpler.:) Renee,
I'd like you to read these links and related articles contained
within. This will help you understand reef lighting requirements and
also the needs/systems for keeping anemones. And, being a woman has
nothing to do with succeeding in this hobby.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marlgtganthony.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/anemones.htm>
I thank you ahead of time for your expertise. <You're welcome.
James (Salty Dog)> Thank you, Renee
New Setup,
Marine Lighting 1/10/08 Hi, <Hello> I have another question:
I am setting up me new 150G tank (60x24x24) and I am trying to figure
out what type of light would work best for me. I have a very good water
flow (20 times+) and two 90G refugia for nutrient transport and food
generation so I hope that I don't need to go crazy with light.
<Depends on what you want to keep.> I am considering two options:
1. 432W (8x54W bulbs) Current USA Nova Extreme T5 HO fixture (or
similar T5 HO system) 2. 3 x 175W MH reflectors. I am going to start
slow with adding livestock but will probably end up with a small number
of fish and reef garden so basically I would like to be able to grow
most things. <The first option will be fine for most corals, but if
you want to keep really light demanding corals the MHs will be
necessary.> Also, I would like to minimize the electricity
consumption and would like to have a system that has most flexibility
to modify as needed (e.g. adding more light bulbs as the tank matures
and the light needs increase). <Either setups should be all you
would ever need.> Could you please advise if Option #1 would be
sufficient? <Depends on the specific corals you wish to keep, most
would do fine under either setup. See these links for more
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/lighting/index.htm ,
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/lighting/fixtures.htm , and
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marlgtganthony.htm .> Thanks again, John.
<Welcome>
<Chris>
|
Reef Lighting/Selection 1/1/08 Hello!
Happy Holidays! <And to you my friend.> I first wanted to
thank "the crew" for all the great hours of reading,
sound advice and establishing the trust you have from the
readers, myself specifically. Your website is in the first slot
on my Favorites link on my computer. It's been said so many
times, but nonetheless, you guys are great and your advice is
invaluable. <Well thank you!> Okay, now to the situation at
hand. I came home from walking my dog yesterday and instantly
could smell burned plastic or rubber or something of the
sort-very distinctive smell. I immediately ran to my aquarium and
saw that half of my lighting system was dark. I don't know
anything about electronics, but I think it's toast. It was a
6X96 watt PC unit. I wanted to upgrade anyway, and now my hand
has been forced (which is okay). <Mmm, were the cooling fans
operative?> It is a 72", 125 gallon reef aquarium that
houses a healthy load of fishes (yes, maybe a little overloaded
and therefore, not optimally healthy, which is why I hesitate to
list the inhabitants-please don't yell at me, I don't
think it's terribly so) as well as lightly stocked LPS and
SPS corals that are all doing very well. They consist of 2
growing Montipora frags which I've been surprised to say have
flourished in this "lesser" Power Compact Fluorescent
climate, <Mmm, 600 watts of PC lighting is not all that bad
for your shallow tank.> a Caulastrea Furcata colony, an
Acanthastrea colony as well as some unidentified corals imbedded
in my live rock (I believe one type has been described as a
"cup" coral, whatever that means and the other type
appears to be a kind of colonial SPS or LPS coral). There is also
a hitchhiker anemone which I've found described as a Curly Q
Anemone. Since the "burnout" has occurred (and it is
the unit that is fried, not the lamps), I've grouped the
peaceful corals somewhat closely and have used my only backup to
light them, which is a hang on 150 watt MH unit. I need to
quickly purchase a new system, but am somewhat limited
financially. <Have you contacted the manufacturer about the
problem. If you haven't had the light very long, most will
take care of the problem.> Around $700 is probably my maximum.
I also have the added issue of probably not being able to hang
lights since I live with my parents and my dad probably will not
let me. <If you have a wood canopy, a retrofit system is the
least expensive.> I've come up with a few options that I
want to run by you and hope to get a clear ranking or just ones
that you think should be good and ones to avoid as well as
requesting any additional suggestions. I would like to support
high lighting required inhabitants including SPS and clams. Okay,
here are ones that I've found to both be in my price range
and should be a good upgrade to what I had before. I will list
and link so you can see them in case you are not familiar. The
first seems too good to be true, but if it works well, should
bathe all inhabitants in tons of light: 3X250 watt metal halide,
4X96 Watt PC with 8 lunar lights and electronic ballasts from
Aqua Trader.
http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=332
<My dealer tried one of their PC systems and thought they were
of good quality, no experience with the MH's though. You are
correct in saying "too good to be true". Does sound
like too much for the money. You may want to contact Aqua Trader
and ask about the warranty. Another option, post this question on
one of the salt water forums. We had one but I do not see the
link anymore on our homepage.> This one is not nearly as
powerful and not as much wattage, but from an established and
well known company (but also the company that sold me the PC
system that just burned out, not that I fault them. 72 inch
Current USA SunPod 3x150W 14K HQI-MH w/ 24 Lunar Lights http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~CU01066.html
<I have a Current PC system on a tank, and have had no
problems with it in two years. On another note, Marine Depot is a
respected company and I doubt they would handle a product that
has a problem reputation.> Next is more powerful and looks
like a great option, but I just haven't heard anything about
them. 6 Ft. Captive Sun Deluxe Hood Lighting System-3X175 Watt
MH+2X160W VHO (bulbs not included)
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~CP4116.html
<Again, as above. Tell you what I'll do...I'll contact
Marine Depot and get some info for you and get it back to you in
a day or two.> I'm also considering the following due to
all the positives I've heard about T5 lighting, but not sure
that it would be sufficient for the inhabitants that I would like
to keep. The bulbs seem to have individually wrapped reflectors
which I've read makes all the difference. 72" Current
USA 12X39W Nova Extreme Pro T5HO 6-10K/6-460nm Actinics
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~pro~action~view~idProdu
ct~CU01082~idCategory~FILTFIT5T7~category~72_inch_Current_USA_12x39W_Nov
a_Extreme_Pro_T5HO_6_10k_6_460nm_Actinics_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Li
ghting_Fixtures_T5_Lighting_72in_Units~vendor~.html <For what
you want to keep, I'd be safe and go with MH or HQI lighting.
Clams seem to do better under this type lighting.> I know you
guys don't always like recommending products and are not
always familiar with the overwhelming amount of products on the
market, I'd just like a clear opinion from an expert (I know
you guys are too modest to consider yourselves
"expert", but to me, you all clearly are, so just
accept the positive title:-)) about what they (you) would do if
you were in my place. Lighting is such an important aspect of
reef keeping and SO expensive to someone who is lower middle
class at best that I just want to make the best decision
possible. I've worked so hard to improve my water quality and
flow (which is why I think my Monti's are doing so well even
in the lesser light-I've got great flow now after adding over
time), that this lighting issue may very well be the difference
in having a really nice reef tank or one that still looks a bit
amateur...or at least can't house some of the more advanced
corals I'd like to try. Of course lighting doesn't
determine your aquatic abilities. I consider myself an
intermediate aquarist who's been keeping reef tanks for 5-7
years and I feel like making this tank successful will be a huge
step for me. I appreciate your consideration and the time
you've taken to read this long query regardless of the
outcome. Thanks for everything you do. <You certainly are on
the right track. I'd be comfortable with either of the two
products you list from Marine Depot.> Please add any
suggestions for lighting units I have not listed that you think
might fit both my needs and budget. <If you have a wood
canopy, consider the PFO retro systems from Premium Aquatics, is
what I use and a very well made product.> As a side note,
I'm writing this from my work email address, can you send the
response to my personal address, please? <Not a problem.>
Thanks so, so much! <You're welcome Nicholas. James (Salty
Dog)> Nicholas Sadaka
Re: Reef Lighting/Selection 1/2/08 Thanks
so much, James, I really appreciate the response! <You're
welcome, Nick.> Unfortunately, I don't have a wood canopy,
which stinks because I would certainly go the retrofit route if I
did. Your question about the cooling fans being operable is a
good one and one that I just couldn't say for sure.
They've always been so quiet that I probably wouldn't be
able to tell on an average day without really tuning into it.
Let's just say that I hadn't noticed that they were not
working, but it's certainly possible. <The fan(s) also
need to be cleaned periodically, do mine twice a year.> I also
don't know ANYTHING at all about electronics, so I'm not
even sure if it was something with the ballasts or the wiring or
what, but it certainly gave off a very strong odor and had my
parents running around looking for a fire! Now, after saying
that, let me just say that I do believe that Current is a great
company and if I did not, I would never consider getting another
unit from them. I've had PC lights from them that I got when
I started in the hobby that are still to this day running well,
so, I hope anyone reading this did not take my story as a slight
against Current at all. <No worries here, we like to hear
about problems people have with components, keeps fellow
aquarists aware of potential problems with such.> I
haven't contacted Current about the light (it's probably
about 4 years old), but that's more because I really want the
upgrade now, with the ability to keep Acropora and clams and
such. <Four years old, without cleaning the fans, I'm
pretty sure they were not working properly.> I was planning on
doing that within the next year anyway, so now is as good a time
as any. I certainly would love to take you up on your offer to
talk to Marine Depot on my behalf, and I appreciate that
immensely. That is very kind of you and I look forward to hearing
your response! <Sent off a message this afternoon, should hear
from them sometime tomorrow and will forward to you.> If you
get busy and don't have a chance to get to contact them,
that's okay too, I'll just go with one of the two MH
systems from Marine Depot (and you're right, Marine Depot is
a great company and I buy from them constantly and have NEVER had
a problem). <Good to hear.> I probably have to make a
decision in the next couple of days so the tank can be lit again,
so I look forward to hearing from you if you speak with them, but
again, if you can't, that's okay too. Thanks again for
your response. I always feel like I got a chance to talk to
someone we look up to in the aquarium hobby when I get a response
from one of you guys! Thanks again. <You're welcome. James
(Salty Dog)> Re: Reef Lighting/Selection 1/2/08
<Nick, did receive a reply from August at Marine Depot. Below
are the contents of his email. Hope this helps you. James (Salty
Dog)> <<Hello, Thanks for the email. Since the maximum
amount is $700, the closest metal halide with legs in that price
range is the Current USA SunPod. Here is the quick link
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~CU01066.html.
This is a really good product. It comes with LED lights for moon
lighting and to slowly acclimate the tank everyday. It comes with
3 150W bulbs. Everything is included. For a shallow water tank,
T5s can also be used. The only issue is the length of the bulbs.
The biggest we have is 48 inches. So unless 2 x 36 inch lights
can be used, the only option is the metal halide. If you have any
other questions, please feel more than welcome to contact us.
Take care!>> Re: Reef Lighting/Selection 1/3/08
Again, James, thanks so much. I sincerely appreciate all of your
effort on my behalf. Through reading the daily questions and
reading through the content on WWM, you eventually get a feel for
the personalities of the experts. That being said, I really feel
like you are a good, stand up guy and a valuable asset to the
hobby. If this is posted, <All queries are posted in the
dailies.> some people are going to read and say, "boy,
that guy's kissing some butt", but the bottom line is
that I have nothing to gain by sharing this opinion and if I did
not truly feel this way, I'd just keep my mouth shut.
Everyone really needs to realize and understand the service WWM
is doing by providing this information free of charge. That's
rare and special and without speaking for anyone else, greatly
appreciated by me. I genuinely extend this sentiment to the whole
crew and request that the occasional disgruntled aquarist that
writes in keeps this in mind before attacking a helping hand.
<Well said.> No one is right all of the time, but the
ability to share unselfishly separates the masses. Okay,
don't want to get too wordy and mushy, just want to say
"thank you" one last time! <Nick, thank you so much
for the kind words. Nobody on the crew is "kissing
butt". As aquarists with years of combined experience (+30
for me), our goal is to help others avoid mistakes we have made
in our learning process. When I started in this hobby, there were
no forums and such you could go to, in fact it would have been
difficult since there was no internet back then. All we could
rely on was a good book or two, but the books back then rarely
gave any info as to requirements/compatibility etc. You pretty
much rode the horse alone. Good luck to you in this hobby, and
I'd like to thank you for doing such a fine job in writing.
It is rare that I do not have to edit queries as to caps,
punctuation, etc. James (Salty Dog)>
Re: Reef Lighting/Selection
1/3/08 Bob, Below is an email I just received from Marine
Depot, is from Keith MacNeil. It is in regard to the Reef
Lighting/Selection query. Thought you may want to post his email
on the dailies. Regards, James <Will do. Thank you James.
BobF> Hey James, Thank you for inquiring about these fixtures.
I was looking over our emails and noticed this one wasn't
quite answered the way I think you were looking for. I believe
you are looking for more of a quality issue than alternatives.
The CurrentUSA fixtures have been getting good reviews. I have
one of their metal halide fixtures that has been running
flawlessly over the last 2+ years. CurrentUSA offers a 1 year
warranty on their fixtures that would be handled by the place of
purchase. One of the nice features are the internal ballasts for
their 150 watt units. The Captive Sun fixtures are custom made
exclusively for Marine Depot. These have been being made for us
for quite some time now with very few problems. Any issues that
have come up have been resolved very quickly. Again warranty
issues are handle by Marine Depot. I have talked with people that
have been using their fixtures for over 5 years with no issues at
all. I hope that helps out some and I apologize if the first
email was not what you were expecting. Lighting Query From Wet
Web Media (Thread:1103937) Hello, Thanks for the email. Since
the maximum amount is $700, the closes metal halide with legs in
that price range is the Current USA SunPod. Here is the quick
link
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~CU01066.html.
This is a really good product. It comes with LED lights for moon
lighting and to slowly acclimate the tank everyday. It comes with
3 150W bulbs. Everything is included. For a shallow water tank,
T5s can also be used. The only issue is the length of the bulbs.
The biggest we have is 48 inches. So unless 2 x 36 inch lights
can be used, the only option is the metal halide. If you have any
other questions, please feel more than welcome to contact us.
Take care! Thank you for choosing Marine Depot. We are always
available for any support that you may need. August Sicat Marine
Depot Customer Service www.MarineDepot.com Phone: (714)385-0080
Fax: (714)385-0180 Hi gang. I've got a query from a gent
inquiring about two different lighting systems you sell. I'm
not familiar with their MH systems. Can you help me out. He seems
to be concerned about quality/longevity. I'll post the query
with my notes in carets below. I did send the query but will
reply to him with your input. Thanks much, James Gasta (Salty
Dog) Wet Web Media
Re: Reef Lighting/Selection...Queriors
Input... cave canem 1/3/08 Dear Crew, <Hello> I
saw the messages between poster/Salty Dog re the Aquatraders.com
72" 3x250W MH system and wanted to provide him/her with some
info. I purchased the 48" 2x 250W MH/4x65W PC system for
$379 and am very pleased. It is made by Odyssea. So far, it works
well, the fan is quiet, it runs cool and, most of all, my corals
are very happy under it. Before I purchased, I read about 10,000
posts <Naw, c'mon.> on the several threads on
reefcentral.com re: the experiences of hobbyists with the MH
Odyssea fixture. Almost all posters that I read have been very
pleased and feel that the fixture is an exceptional deal. <I
thank you for this, will post for others to read. James (Salty
Dog)>
Re: Reef Lighting/Selection...Querier's
Input 1/4/08 James, <Andrew> Well, it was probably like
9,990 posts. In all seriousness, I urge anyone interested in the
Odyssea MH fixture to set aside about 30 hours and review the 1
billion-post threads on the fixture in reefcentral.com <Again,
thank you for your input. James (Salty Dog)>
Re: Reef Lighting/Selection Query. More re
Above Water Photography 1/5/08 Boy did I open a
can of worms with the Reef Lighting/Selection Query, Whew. I
believe much good was done here, especially regarding the Odyssea
MH fixtures. For the price, it appears they are a quality
fixture. <Yeah... I read this ten bazillion times, and I still
find it hard to believe> On another note, why are the manuals
you get with cameras so vague? <Wish I knew> Tells you want
does what but not why or why you should use certain functions. Oh
I wish I had my Nikormat 35mm camera back. What a joy to use and
great pics. Didn't have a menu with 500 options. Sheesh. Time
to start looking for a book on the G9 that is more user friendly.
Wonder if there is anything out there like that. James|<The
very best thing to do here is to search on the Net for folks who
have used the model, or one close to it... for their insights
into use/settings... Believe me. B> <The very best thing to
do here is to search on the Net for folks who have used the
model, or one close to it... for their insights into
use/settings... Believe me. B>
|
Yet another
lighting upgrade question 12/30/07 Hi WWM Crew, <Hi Jason!>
Let me start by letting you know how much I appreciate all of the
useful information you freely give to your readers. I can only imagine
how many aquarium critters youve saved. <Thank you.> Now a little
background information I currently have a 55 gallon flat back hex
acrylic aquarium with 4 55w PC lamps. Right now Ive got a Candy Cane
Coral, Frogspawn and a Pulsing Xenia. All of them are placed in the
upper 2/3 of the tank. I believe that my current lighting is enough to
sustain these corals, but they may not truly thrive (I do feed the
Candy Can and Frogspawn every other day). For the New Year Id like to
upgrade my lighting system; Id really like to go the HQI metal halide
route and maybe use 2 of the PC lamps for supplemental actinic
lighting. However, with my canopy closed I only have 4 ¾ inches from
the top of the aquarium to the canopy (the shape of the flat back hex
canopy has also proven to be problematic for lamp placement). My
concern is that the heat output from the MH lamps will be a problem;
especially given the fact that its an acrylic aquarium. Removing the
canopy and using a pendant really isnt an option. <With that kind of
height restriction I am concerned about the same issues.> An
alternative would be to go with 4 or 6 - 36 39W T5 bulbs instead of the
MH lamps; I may not gain as much intensity or any shimmering as with
MHs but Ive read that T5 lamps do not need to be replaced as often as
PCs and that they are more energy efficientwhich could potentially
offset the cost of the upgrade. <Eventually.> I realize that the
inhabitants I wish to keep are really the driving force behind my
lighting; first and foremost I just want to ensure that my current
corals are happy with an eye on the future (my crystal ball tells me
anemones and clams are not in my future). <Possibly a clam higher up
in the tank with the T5s, if you have the real estate. Anemones no.>
I have read through your site regarding lighting, but I would really
just like a little hand-holding on my lighting decision. <Your
current lighting is adequate for what you have, but the T5s sure
wouldnt hurt. Be sure to invest in units with individual bulb
reflectors.> I would appreciate any insight you can give me on my
upgrade options. Thank you and I hope all of the WWM Crew a wonderful
New Year! Jason <Happy New Year to you too. Have fun with your new
project, Scott V.>
Mushroom tank
lighting? 12/13/07 Hi guys and gals. <Hello.> I am setting up
a 110 gallon mushroom tank (no Ricordea) currently cycled with live
rock. My question is concerning lighting. Right now I am running a twin
tube N.O. fixture with a marine glow and a power glow, 40 watts each. I
have a 175 watt metal halide fixture that I purchased from Craig's
list for $75, what a steal. The guy gave me two new bulbs as well, a
175 watt 20000K actinic (unknown brand), <20K spectrum, not
actinic.> a 400 watt Blueline super white. He said that either bulb
would work with the fixture (no brand name on the M.H. fixture just a
really well made hanging pendent fixture made by the local
aquariologist at the aquarium). Which bulb should I use in conjunction
with my N.O. fixture or should I buy another M.H. bulb that would
better suit these creatures? <Either light may work with this
fixture (sounds like all mogul base), but not with the ballast.
Assuming the setup came with a ballast to power the bulb, it will only
work with its rated wattage bulb. 400 watt will be way overkill for
mushrooms. 175 will be fine, but you will need two to get an even light
spread across this tank. Good luck, Scott V.>
Re: Mushroom
tank lighting? 12/14/07 Yes it came with a ballast . I took a
closer look at the 175 watt bulb it reads "blue line m.h. 175w
20k";.When I plug this one in its extremely blue. Thanks to all
you guys for all the help. <Welcome, glad to help, Scott
V.>
Bulkhead Flow
Rate And Reef Lighting 12/8/07 Hello, <Hi Terry> I have a
question about bulkhead flow. I have purchased a 90gal AGA with built
in overflow, and I am planning on using a 30 long that I have picked up
for the sump/fuge. I have been looking at different calculators and
I'm all confused now, my question is how much flow can I get using
both the bulkheads that are in the tank to drain? <I have no idea
what size your bulkhead fittings are so that would be difficult to
answer. Are they 1 inch, 1 1/4, etc?> I am planning on doing over
the back returns. <May not be necessary if your drains provide
enough flow.> My other question is about the Current USA SunPod
lighting, I really like the halide shimmer <And I also.> and the
LED shimmer so I thought this lighting would be great but I haven't
found many reviews or if this would be a good light for a reef LPS SPS
and maybe a clam? (sorry I'm referring to the 250w version, it has
2 250w halides and wh,bl LEDs). <I have a Current SunPod fixture on
a smaller experimental tank. I think the quality and workmanship is
very good and I've experienced no problems with it in over a year.
The system you refer to would be an excellent fixture for a 90 gallon
tank allowing you to keep any light loving corals/clams you desire.>
Thanks in advance, <You're welcome. Do let us know what size
your bulkhead fittings are and we will be able give you a flow rate for
these. James (Salty Dog)> Terry
Reef Lighting
12/8/07 To The WWM Crew <Hi Flavio> In order to have some
glitter lines in my 450 litre tank, I am thinking to add two or three
halogen (4000 K) lamps mixed with the 6 T5 fluorescents that are
installed at the moment. Do you think it will affect the corals life
quality? <Shouldn't, as long as the T-5's are going
strong.> I have Fungia, Sarcophyton, Favia, 2 Turbinaria, an
Hydnophora, a Pectinia and two Euphyllias, all of them growing and
living since several years only with fluorescent lamps. Thank you for
your help. <I don't think you are going to like the look the 4K
bulbs will produce. It will give the tank a yellow look, yuk. James
(Salty Dog)> Flavio
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Small Marine Aquariums
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