Bi weekly Discussion---- Lighting

[tims]

Well since we have talked about inverts, Anemones, and the overall basic set up of our somewhat fancy box of water.. Lighting woudl seem to be a good thing to talk about. It is rather important to just about everything in the tank.

Can anyone tell me what type of lighting there is for Reef tanks?

[VWD]

I am getting ready for work but will just say , NO- normal output, VHO very high output. and I'm not sure of the HO high output for the reef tank if they even make bulbs for reef in the high output. Then Metal halide lighting all type of wattage and bulbs, and PC's - power compacts and natural sunlight. I can't get into this any more , Have to go.

[VWD]

I for got for night viewing to please us they have moon lights . Some can gointo all the type bulbs. This is a good topic Tim.

[Doug1]

Since we are at the begining of this topic so to speak, I thought this would be a good time to reiterate the importance of deciding what animals you want to keep and understanding their needs, especially when it comes to light requirements. This will ensure that you choose the best for the animals and save yourself a chunk of change not buying and rebuying lighting system, as we all know lighting for reef environments is not cheap

[Jasontkd]

T-5's are a HO bulb and they work great for a reef tank. everything is thriving under mine.

[ski1297]

To help some of the new people what lights should go with what corals, plants, and animals? Why you need the lights for the corals, plants, and animals could be a big help.

[tims]

Good!
can we break it down to each type and the use.

[VWD]

I forgot all about the T-5's. Like to learn more about them.

[dobejazz]

Ok Tim I'll jump in with what I am sure of (it won't be much)
NO = Normal Output Flourescents
Fine for Freshwater and Fish Only Marine tanks

[tims]

good start Kelli.
can you tell us why they are not good?

[dobejazz]

Wrong color Spectrum and intensity maybe?

[tims]

T-5's
A typical 54 Watt T5 HO (High Output) bulb produces 5000 lumens which is equivalent to 92.6 lumens per watt.

T5 HO Fluorescent Lighting Benefits

Feature	T5 HO Fluorescent	T8 Standard	T12 Standard	Metal Halide
Watts	216W 4-54 Watt T5 bulbs	256W 8-32W T8	400W 10-40W T12	1 - 400W
Lumens	20,000 Lumens - 5,000 lumens per bulb. Results in fewer fixtures needed and savings on installation and maintenance	20,000 Lumens 2,500 per bulb	20,000 Lumens- 2000 lumens per bulb	32,000
Lumens per Watt	92.6 Lumens per Watt Generates 1-2X the light output than standard T8s & T12s. So one T5HO bulb can be used in place of two T8 or T12 bulbs.	63	55	80
CRI	85 CRI Higher CRI means better color rendering ability and more natural looking light	75-85 CRI	62CRI	65-92CRI
Size	5/8" Diameter Smaller size - lends itself to low profile sleek fixtures	1" Diameter	1½" Diameter	-
Mercury Content	12mg of Mercury 3mg per bulb T5 bulbs have a coating that stops the glass and phosphors from absorbing mercury. Since mercury absorption depreciates the light output, the coating keeps light levels very close to it's initial output.	15mg	11-30mg	40-65mg

[VWD]

Normal output (NO) work good on a reef if You have room for the amount of bulbs it will take. When we first started with reefs in the 80's that was what we used. Cheap shop lights. Would cram as many as we were able to fit. The buld you can get good Spectrums but just not the intensity. nothing like VHO's

[tims]

Originally Posted by dobejazz

Wrong color Spectrum and intensity maybe?

good answer.....
NO or normal output lighting is the typical Fluorescence bulb that comes with standard hoods we can bu from most if not all LFS.
these bulbs are usally under or close to 4000k
the k stands for Kelvin

Can you tell me about kelvin?

[xtopher]

I have one for MH you have your different wattages from 150-1000watts and then your different spectrums rated in Kalvins (temperature that the bulb burns at) Gets into mogul based single ended bulbs and HQI's double ended (give more intensity) these are good for anems. and hard corals such as sps.