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Caviar

Some lighting/technical questions

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Caviar
, 01-22-2011 at 05:16 PM (2210 Views)
I now have two frags of soft corals, a zoa and I forgot to ask my LFS what the other one was. I got lost in its awesomeness and made a hasty purchase. Take pics tonight.

But, my question is this: Should I continue using 10K bulbs during the day, and switch to 420 actinics at night? or invest in a dual bulb hood and use both lighting all day? I just want to check and make sure I keep my coral buddies as healthy as possible.
Any input is greatly appreciated

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Comments

  1. Midnight's Avatar
    actinics are not moonlights. run those during the day with your 10k bulbs
  2. Hat39406's Avatar
    Hey CavIar, check Out melevsreef.com Somewhere on the site Marc talks about lighting and times they should be on. He also has the times that the lights would be on and at what intervals.
  3. Alaska_Phil's Avatar
    What do you have for lighting now? Are you running just one bulb? If so what wattage or what size tank?
  4. Caviar's Avatar
    Currently, I run one 10k bulb during the day, and at night run one 420 actinic bulb. I have a 30 gal tank with mostly fish and rock. Only two soft corals, one small frag on zoas and the other looks like xenia although I'm not positive. Hope that helps. I might buy a dual hood tomorrow depending on what you guys suggest. Remember, care for the animals is what's most important. The LFS can SMD as far as profits.
  5. Alaska_Phil's Avatar
    First, you should run no lights at night, and both during the day. Second, What type and wattage are your bulbs? T5 high output? Power compacts? Normal output T8's? If alll you've got is a pair of normal output bulbs then you don't have near enough light for corals. for a 30 gal tank you're going to need at least 100 Watts of fluorescent light.
  6. Caviar's Avatar
    I was kind of worried about that. I need to get some T5 HO's. Right now I've got the corals as close to my lighting as possible. Ill buy some new lighting this week thanks guys for the help!
  7. Alaska_Phil's Avatar
    What do you have now? If you have a pair of 55W Power Compacts (PC) that should be fine. PC are 2 thin tubes connected that plug in at one end only. I used them for years on a 20 gal with good results.
  8. Caviar's Avatar
    Just basic t8s. But I just ordered a T5 HO quad lamped hood with timer and LED moonlights and reflectors. Couldn't pass it up for 70 bucks and free shipping. Post pics when it ships and give some more details when I can post from my computer. Im on a mobile right now.
  9. Alaska_Phil's Avatar
    That'll do the trick. Where did you find one at that price?!
  10. Caviar's Avatar
    I picked it up from Aquatraders.com, heard good things about them from RC so I thought I would give it a shot. Its an Odyssea T5 HO. Here's a link to it. http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-4...le-p/52303.htm
    This model doesnt come with a timer, but my friend from my LFS gave me one so no sweat.