PDA

View Full Version : Lighting schedule


sinder255248
08/18/2006, 03:54 AM
I'm looking at altering my lighting schedule after resetting up the tank at a new address. There are a couple of LPS but mainly softies. The current lighting schedule is:

Actinic 2 x 55w T5 7:00 - 13:00 & 16:30 - 20:30
Halide 2 x 150w 10k 12:30 - 19:30

I'm looking at changing it to:

Actinic 2 x 55w T5 12:30 - 13:30 & 19:00 - 20:00
Halide 2 x 150w 20k 13:20 - 19:10

I would be changing the 10k bulb thats in the halides for a 20k or possibly a 14k (i quite like a blue look to the tank).

What do you think?

ReefWreak
08/18/2006, 05:58 AM
I don't know a ton about lighting in reef tanks, as far as the best cycles and such go, however I would suggest that if you like the blue look, leave your actinic T5s on the entire day, simulated sunrise to sunset. You're going to get the best coral growth out of the 10ks. 20k will look VERY VERY VERY blue, probably too blue, especially if you've already got actinic suppliment. A lot of people prefer the 14k, but you don't get the same growth as in the 10ks.

I believe that there are some links on RC about comparisons in color and growth among halide bulbs. I would do a google search, use Halide comparison site:reefcentral.com/forums

Good luck!