Reef Lighting/Coral growth

jacobm · 07/14/2012, 09:53 AM

So i currently have a t5 fixture with 2 10k and 2 actinic. But its doesnt light my tank up like i want it too. its kind off dull and i feel like my corals could be doing better. i dose plenty of calcium. I was wondering if i should go with a different light fixture? ive heard about how great leds are but i am kinda skeptical if they are powerful enough, i dont really know much about them. So if anyone who has different lighting could fill me in or post a pic that would be great!

Or if there is some secret to getting corals to grow faster let me know :P

Thanks!

ajcanale · 07/14/2012, 10:32 AM

you could add an LED strip or two, maybe a 50/50 and a pure actinic. this will give you more overall light, an expanded spectrum, and some of that sexy LED shimma'

Anemonebuff · 07/14/2012, 10:38 AM

The secret is proper lighting and water quality/chemistry.

Many of us balance our "best" lighting with what is more pleasing to the eye. It will make for slower growth, but make the tank better to look at.

I use a mix of PAR38/PAR30 LEDs with a Kessil A150. My growth is great. I did have some Alk issues last month and lost most of the green slimer acro in the photo. I have gotten it back under control and the other corals are growing like weeds.

jacobm · 07/14/2012, 10:42 AM

thats great! i would love to get some LED but they arrelike 250 a piece and my 55 prolly need 2.

Anemonebuff · 07/14/2012, 10:47 AM

Yes you would need two Kessils to cover a 55 gallon(4' long).

jacobm · 07/14/2012, 10:50 AM

and if i upgraded to a 75g tank the 2 kessils would still be fine right?

ajcanale · 07/14/2012, 10:55 AM

I wasn't recommending changing to 100% LED, was only saying to add a couple LED strips to supplement your current setup. Maybe something like a couple Ecoxotic Stunner Strips. One 12k/Royal Blue, One Magenta/Royal Blue. This would do wonders to the overall aesthetics of your tank, and would likely contribute to extra growth and coloration.

You also mentioned dosing calcium. Regarding stony corals, calcium alone will not inhibit growth. Alkalinity is just as important, as well as magnesium.

jerpa · 07/14/2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacobm

and if i upgraded to a 75g tank the 2 kessils would still be fine right?

Yes they would work on a 75 as well. Any bigger and they won't cover so well. If you are patient you will have access to the selling forums soon. With everybody upgrading to the A350's you can find good deals on them used.

jacobm · 07/15/2012, 02:50 PM

how do i get access to the selling forum?

zachfishman · 07/15/2012, 04:44 PM

If you're using the bulbs that came with your T5 hood, replacing them with better bulbs (i.e. ATI, Geismann) can make a big difference.

Elvishfrost · 07/15/2012, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacobm

how do i get access to the selling forum?

You have to have 50 helpful posts, and be a member for 90 days.

Hype134 · 07/15/2012, 08:47 PM

I have a 120 and plan on having a SPS dominated tank. Current lighting is 2x250W Phoenix 14k and 4x65W PCs... i want to get rid of the PCs and either supplement with T5s or Kessels. I was thinking one A350W, or two A150s as a supplement to the two MH. Would this be an overkill? or would there be any cons? should i just swap them out with T5s?

SteadyReefin · 07/15/2012, 10:27 PM

I had the same setup as you and added 3 led stunner strips andy corals did a lot better. Mine I added were all blue.

lilboy88 · 07/16/2012, 12:30 AM

What you could always do too is upgrade to a six or eight bulb t5 unit.

jacobm · 07/16/2012, 10:55 AM

where to i get the led stip that u are talking about? how many would i need ontop of my t5 light, it has 2 daylight 2 actinic and moonlights

And my tank is a 55g

Hype134 · 07/16/2012, 01:53 PM

I did consider a T5 unit... but wanted to try and utilize what i already had... plus i'm alittle bias towards MH being the way to go for SPS... that being said i may supplement with a A350W and see how that combo goes with the MH.

keihi20 · 07/16/2012, 02:30 PM

Better yet go DIY and save a ton of money on LEDs. I suggest the multichip leds they are the easiest and cheapest. Your 55 wouldn't need very much to switch completly to leds or even suppliment what you have.

jacobm · 07/16/2012, 10:45 PM

whats the difference why are they so much cheaper and where could i find them?

jacobm · 07/16/2012, 10:50 PM

i looked up the par30/38 and they are super cheap. could i do my 55 with just 2 of those?

Reverend Reefer · 07/16/2012, 11:55 PM

two of those in addition to your T5s would be awesome

Reverend Reefer · 07/17/2012, 12:01 AM

i would probably also change the bulbs. get the ATI blue+ they're awesome, plus a fiji pink maybe. if you have those plus the leds, that would be a nice setup. i've actually switch to all leds and i still feel like they're not that bright, right now i have 3x48" reefbrite led strips and 3x12" ecoxotic leds, plus a par30 bulb on a 65G, its decent but not quite enough for sps (doesn't appear as bright as a proper MH setup). thinking of adding another par30 or maybe even add a single strip of T5HO. anyways, yeah, basically the leds you would want are blue supplements. i bought my reefbrite strip used for 150$. if you got one blue one you'd also likely get the pop you're looking for.

jacobm · 07/18/2012, 09:24 AM

what is more powerful the 30 or the 38? and do they screw into regular light bulb outlets?

jacobm · 07/19/2012, 09:57 AM

anybody?

zachfishman · 07/19/2012, 11:42 AM

If you mean the Ecoxotic Par38 bulbs, they are for standard bulb sockets: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_viewit...FYOc7QodWU6mow

jacobm · 07/19/2012, 10:54 PM

omg 120 bucks thats insane i found some regular par38 led lights for like 40bucks. would those work?

07/14/2012, 09:53 AM	#1
jacobm Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: gardner, ma Posts: 100	Reef Lighting/Coral growth So i currently have a t5 fixture with 2 10k and 2 actinic. But its doesnt light my tank up like i want it too. its kind off dull and i feel like my corals could be doing better. i dose plenty of calcium. I was wondering if i should go with a different light fixture? ive heard about how great leds are but i am kinda skeptical if they are powerful enough, i dont really know much about them. So if anyone who has different lighting could fill me in or post a pic that would be great! Or if there is some secret to getting corals to grow faster let me know :P Thanks!

07/14/2012, 10:32 AM	#2
ajcanale Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Memphis 10 Posts: 1,098	you could add an LED strip or two, maybe a 50/50 and a pure actinic. this will give you more overall light, an expanded spectrum, and some of that sexy LED shimma' __________________ If the spirit moves ya, let me groove ya Current Tank Info: 150g Starphire Pensinula SPS

07/14/2012, 10:55 AM	#7
ajcanale Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Memphis 10 Posts: 1,098	I wasn't recommending changing to 100% LED, was only saying to add a couple LED strips to supplement your current setup. Maybe something like a couple Ecoxotic Stunner Strips. One 12k/Royal Blue, One Magenta/Royal Blue. This would do wonders to the overall aesthetics of your tank, and would likely contribute to extra growth and coloration. You also mentioned dosing calcium. Regarding stony corals, calcium alone will not inhibit growth. Alkalinity is just as important, as well as magnesium. __________________ If the spirit moves ya, let me groove ya Current Tank Info: 150g Starphire Pensinula SPS

07/15/2012, 04:44 PM	#10
zachfishman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 3,577	If you're using the bulbs that came with your T5 hood, replacing them with better bulbs (i.e. ATI, Geismann) can make a big difference. __________________ Patience is a reefer's best tool. Secret Xenia lover. M.S. Marine Biology Staff - Marine Discovery Center, St. Petersburg FL Tampa Bay Reef Club BOD 2018 Current Tank Info: 34g modded Solana

07/16/2012, 12:30 AM	#14
lilboy88 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fargo ND USA Posts: 56	What you could always do too is upgrade to a six or eight bulb t5 unit. __________________ People say that carrots are good for your eyes, I think corals are better.

07/14/2012, 10:38 AM	#3
Anemonebuff Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: LI,NY Posts: 3,877	The secret is proper lighting and water quality/chemistry. Many of us balance our "best" lighting with what is more pleasing to the eye. It will make for slower growth, but make the tank better to look at. I use a mix of PAR38/PAR30 LEDs with a Kessil A150. My growth is great. I did have some Alk issues last month and lost most of the green slimer acro in the photo. I have gotten it back under control and the other corals are growing like weeds.

07/14/2012, 10:42 AM	#4
jacobm Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: gardner, ma Posts: 100	thats great! i would love to get some LED but they arrelike 250 a piece and my 55 prolly need 2.

07/14/2012, 10:47 AM	#5
Anemonebuff Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: LI,NY Posts: 3,877	Yes you would need two Kessils to cover a 55 gallon(4' long).

07/14/2012, 10:50 AM	#6
jacobm Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: gardner, ma Posts: 100	and if i upgraded to a 75g tank the 2 kessils would still be fine right?

07/15/2012, 02:50 PM	#9
jacobm Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: gardner, ma Posts: 100	how do i get access to the selling forum?

07/15/2012, 08:47 PM	#12
Hype134 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 36	I have a 120 and plan on having a SPS dominated tank. Current lighting is 2x250W Phoenix 14k and 4x65W PCs... i want to get rid of the PCs and either supplement with T5s or Kessels. I was thinking one A350W, or two A150s as a supplement to the two MH. Would this be an overkill? or would there be any cons? should i just swap them out with T5s?

07/15/2012, 10:27 PM	#13
SteadyReefin Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 43	I had the same setup as you and added 3 led stunner strips andy corals did a lot better. Mine I added were all blue.

07/16/2012, 10:55 AM	#15
jacobm Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: gardner, ma Posts: 100	where to i get the led stip that u are talking about? how many would i need ontop of my t5 light, it has 2 daylight 2 actinic and moonlights And my tank is a 55g

07/16/2012, 01:53 PM	#16
Hype134 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 36	I did consider a T5 unit... but wanted to try and utilize what i already had... plus i'm alittle bias towards MH being the way to go for SPS... that being said i may supplement with a A350W and see how that combo goes with the MH.

07/16/2012, 02:30 PM	#17
keihi20 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: A little place called summer heights Posts: 72	Better yet go DIY and save a ton of money on LEDs. I suggest the multichip leds they are the easiest and cheapest. Your 55 wouldn't need very much to switch completly to leds or even suppliment what you have.

07/16/2012, 10:45 PM	#18
jacobm Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: gardner, ma Posts: 100	whats the difference why are they so much cheaper and where could i find them?

07/16/2012, 10:50 PM	#19
jacobm Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: gardner, ma Posts: 100	i looked up the par30/38 and they are super cheap. could i do my 55 with just 2 of those?

07/16/2012, 11:55 PM	#20
Reverend Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 883	two of those in addition to your T5s would be awesome __________________ - Rev. Tank: 65G glass 48" long tank; Sump/Fuge: 30G. Lighting: LEDs+single T5 strip. Maintenance: ATO Kalkwasser + 10% weekly WC, daily feedings LPS+Softies dominated.

07/17/2012, 12:01 AM	#21
Reverend Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 883	i would probably also change the bulbs. get the ATI blue+ they're awesome, plus a fiji pink maybe. if you have those plus the leds, that would be a nice setup. i've actually switch to all leds and i still feel like they're not that bright, right now i have 3x48" reefbrite led strips and 3x12" ecoxotic leds, plus a par30 bulb on a 65G, its decent but not quite enough for sps (doesn't appear as bright as a proper MH setup). thinking of adding another par30 or maybe even add a single strip of T5HO. anyways, yeah, basically the leds you would want are blue supplements. i bought my reefbrite strip used for 150$. if you got one blue one you'd also likely get the pop you're looking for. __________________ - Rev. Tank: 65G glass 48" long tank; Sump/Fuge: 30G. Lighting: LEDs+single T5 strip. Maintenance: ATO Kalkwasser + 10% weekly WC, daily feedings LPS+Softies dominated.

07/18/2012, 09:24 AM	#22
jacobm Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: gardner, ma Posts: 100	what is more powerful the 30 or the 38? and do they screw into regular light bulb outlets?

07/19/2012, 09:57 AM	#23
jacobm Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: gardner, ma Posts: 100	anybody?

07/19/2012, 11:42 AM	#24
zachfishman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 3,577	If you mean the Ecoxotic Par38 bulbs, they are for standard bulb sockets: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_viewit...FYOc7QodWU6mow __________________ Patience is a reefer's best tool. Secret Xenia lover. M.S. Marine Biology Staff - Marine Discovery Center, St. Petersburg FL Tampa Bay Reef Club BOD 2018 Current Tank Info: 34g modded Solana

07/19/2012, 10:54 PM	#25
jacobm Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: gardner, ma Posts: 100	omg 120 bucks thats insane i found some regular par38 led lights for like 40bucks. would those work?