Using PC lighting

[drew1092]

I am just getting into this hobby and am finding a ton of info out there about lighting. But I am still on the fence as to what to use. My biggest goal is to do it simply and inexpensivly but do it right. I am planning for a FOWLR and some very easy corals; have a mushroom and the Kenya weed already. Would like to add some nicer corals along the way, but those that don't demand an extreme amount of care.

Here is what I have: normal 30"x18" 29 gallon with a coralife aqualight. 2 65 watt PC bulbs. 1 is actinic (I think the 460 n but might be wrong) and a 6700K daylight. For some reason moonlights don't work. I think it may be the PS, in the process of modding one.

I have heard many here say they use the 10000K bulb. Should I switch to that with next bulb change or stick to 6700? Any suggestion on brand of bulbs and which type of actinics? And do LED's do anything for the coral or just let you see them floresce? I have a flashlight that does a great job at that! Any mods you know of for an aqualight to increase intensity? What types of coral should I stick to with this lighting package?

Thanks, I ask a lot of questions and as of yet have little to offer any one else. In time. I would like to get this right. Great resource here! thanks

[cutietwo]

Originally Posted by drew1092

I am just getting into this hobby and am finding a ton of info out there about lighting. But I am still on the fence as to what to use. My biggest goal is to do it simply and inexpensivly but do it right. I am planning for a FOWLR and some very easy corals; have a mushroom and the Kenya weed already. Would like to add some nicer corals along the way, but those that don't demand an extreme amount of care.

Here is what I have: normal 30"x18" 29 gallon with a coralife aqualight. 2 65 watt PC bulbs. 1 is actinic (I think the 460 n but might be wrong) and a 6700K daylight. For some reason moonlights don't work. I think it may be the PS, in the process of modding one.

I have heard many here say they use the 10000K bulb. Should I switch to that with next bulb change or stick to 6700? If you want to change bulb then do it for your eyes, not the plants. the 10000 will have a crisper/whiter WHITE color to them and the lower numbers from there are more blue I believe. The plants/corals in the tank will not be affected I do not believe. Any suggestion on brand of bulbs and which type of actinics? I like sunpaque and coralife. Sunpaque is a little more expensive but they last longer and put out better light. Also seem to be better quality. And do LED's do anything for the coral or just let you see them floresce? To be honest i have no idea i have never used LED'S before. I think it's for the corals maybe but don't quote me on it I have a flashlight that does a great job at that! Any mods you know of for an aqualight to increase intensity? What types of coral should I stick to with this lighting package? I have PC's as well (46 gallon with 96 watt actinic and 96 watt 10000 K) and I have quit a range of corals that so far are doing great. I have hammer corals, zoos, mushrooms, torch coral, xenia, and green star polyps. The only thing I don't like about PC is how hot it gets (really raises tank temperature). One day i'm going to switch to T5's.

Thanks, I ask a lot of questions and as of yet have little to offer any one else. In time. I would like to get this right. Great resource here! thanks

[Loverotties]

Originally Posted by drew1092

I am just getting into this hobby and am finding a ton of info out there about lighting. But I am still on the fence as to what to use. My biggest goal is to do it simply and inexpensivly but do it right. I am planning for a FOWLR and some very easy corals;That makes it a Reef. have a mushroom and the Kenya weed already. Would like to add some nicer corals along the way, but those that don't demand an extreme amount of care.

Here is what I have: normal 30"x18" 29 gallon with a coralife aqualight. 2 65 watt PC bulbs. 1 is actinic (I think the 460 n but might be wrong) and a 6700K daylight. For some reason moonlights don't work. I think it may be the PS, in the process of modding one.

I have heard many here say they use the 10000K bulb. Should I switch to that with next bulb change or stick to 6700?I like the 10K bulbs,but it's up to you and what your corals like. Any suggestion on brand of bulbs and which type of actinics?In PC ,I only tried Coralife and then changed to T5HO lighting. And do LED's do anything for the coral or just let you see them floresce?Actinic makes you see floresence not moon lights. I have a flashlight that does a great job at that! Any mods you know of for an aqualight to increase intensity? What types of coral should I stick to with this lighting package?Any lower light corals.
If you deside to change lights,I'd go with T5hos over pc(cheaper and more light ! then better then that is Mh.
Thanks, I ask a lot of questions and as of yet have little to offer any one else. In time. I would like to get this right. Great resource here! thanks

[Jnicho]

Those lights will be OK for some low light corals...PC bulbs need to be changed about every six months, which makes them expensive in that respect...I would opt for one 10000K & 1 actinic myself...in the long run I would look at T5's...but you may do that in conjunction with a tank upgrade down the road.

[scoop]

If you get T5 bulbs w/ individual reflectors for each bulb, they put out much more light than the pc's. They also have the benefit of only needing to be replaced every 14 - 18 months vs. every 6 on the pc's, which can make up for the cost difference in a hurry.