Yay new lights & sump :)

[mano1192]

Finally got new lights -Tek T-5 4 bulb w/ 2 aquablues(10k I think), 1 day (65k) , and 1 true blue atinic. I have a 10k and atinic come on for dawn and dusk, and the day and 1 aqua for about 9 hours. Now the 10k is really bright, and I thought the point of a dual ballast light is to have a dawn and dusk period of atinic lighting?? Should I have only atinics running for this and keep the 2 aquablues for the main lighting and drop the 65k (arent 65k's best for growth??) ?? What is everyone opinions on this.. as always thanks for the help!!!
PS. I have noticed dramatic improvement in everything in the tank after only a week of use, goodbye PC's!!

 

[blajoie]

If I had the same setup and the same bulbs, I would do something along these lines.

Just an example.

9am : On True Actinic
10am: On 6.5K
1030am: On Both 10Ks

6pm: Off Both10Ks
630pm: Off 6.5K
8pm: Off True Actinic

 

[merk1_99]

the tek 4 bulb doesnt work that way....
have the two actins come on 1/2hr to hr before the other two bulbs...

what size tank?

i love my tek 5 6 bulb

yes the GE 6500 put out the most PAR of all T5 bulbs

 

[Triggerfish]

blajoie outlines a good example. however, i'm thinking that you only have 2 switches for the fixture..if so,,i would get rid of either, one of the 10k's or the 65k and replace with another actinic.

i have also heard 65k's are very good for growth...

 

[merk1_99]

IMO with just a 4 bulb unit I would dump the actinics and go 2 blue, and two blue +. Actinics only add asthetic value...not any good PAR or growing energy...

 

[mano1192]

Your right there are only 2 switches
Merk- thanks I will research the pars on the blue+ and the blue's

Are there any specimens I will not be able to keep under this lighting? Keep in mind the tank is only 16" tal and its a 30g w/20g sump/fuge. Water conditions are perfect.Thanks.

 

[blajoie]

With your current bulbs, you should be able to keep MOST species. Some of the more demanding clams/sps may be difficult. Not going to say it cant be done though. The RC folk might be able to help you with that, they have done everything and anything. Crazies over there

Swapping the bulbs as merk suggested would help a lot though.

 

[mano1192]

Thanks you guys are awesome!

O and thanks Lou (Beacon Aquarium) she hooked me up with a great deal!!

 

[Triggerfish]

yeah,,if you could up it to 4-5w/g with good par then shoot for that..
it's tough with only a 4 bulb fixture to have it balanced and optimal with dusk - dawn setup...

another option is to just add a small single bulb fixture with a 7100k blue bulb to use for the dawn-dusk. you could then use the T5 for a combination of 65 and 10k...that's what i would do.....

 

[mano1192]

Trigger- that would be ideal but i just dont have the room on the tank, its only 12" deep so that barely fits the 4 bulb tek setup. I think I may just have to make due with with the 4 bulbs which I think is plenty of light, but I will experiment with the bulbs some- thinking 65k and atinic then the 2 aqua 10k ... might be ok