light combo??

[reefgeek84]

Small tank 12gal with 30w of light.

Should i go with which of the following set ups-

18,000k & 50/50
18,000k & Atinic
18,000k & 10,000k
10,000k & 50/50
10,000k & Atinic

I want to house hardy LPS's, while maintaining good color but also keeping them healthy...what do you think would be the best combo?

[joe18]

well LPS are not photosynthetic, so if your worried about sacraficing growth with a higher K bulb, thenyou shoulndt.
its really up to you and what color you like.,
Blue?
White?
Bluish?

i good balance would be the :

18,000k & 10,000k
or
10,000k & Atinic
these will give you the blue and the white combo.
but if you wantreall really blue,then go with

18,000k & 50/50
or
18,000k & Atinic
GOOD LUCK

[SVXH6]

LPS are photosynthetic and need light... i would suggest more than 30 watts to keep them.. IMO 30watts just wont be enough nor will they grow very well..i would have stronger lighting..at least 80watts..

[mussel20]

I agree........they are photosynthetic and do need more than 30 watts.

[reefgeek84]

I know what you guys are saying but i am feeding my brain and he extends out very big and my dad has the same set up and his frog spawn has doubled in size over the last year under 30watts. I also understand that LPS are not soley photosynthetic, they also feed and prefer more nurtient filled water, and with a smaller tank i have that, also i supplment feed both meaty treats and phyto, so he should be fine, i am curious what light combo would be best... This is not a permanant home, as i will be moving everything to a 55gal tank with pc and halides in the next few months.

So can some verify that lighting is not really a facotr, so i can just go with what i want or if it is what will yeild the most growth.


Thanks.

[jasper24]

I agree that the lighting is a little on the dim side but I would go with 10K and Actinic.