Lighting question??

epidemic · 08-11-2006, 12:02 AM

SO IO am currently running a single 400W 20K bulb on my 58g and I have been thinking about taking out the spider reflector behind the 400W and replace the bulb with an Iwasaki 400W. I have a IC660 That I have no other use for so I thought I might add 3 36" or 24" actinics. I cant fit much else under the canopy with the spider reflector in there. And, as wierd as it may sound, I think SPS looks a lot better under 65K. Any opinions? Any one want a IC660? Just trying to make use of my crap... HELP?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Clownnut · 08-11-2006, 12:04 AM

try T5HO actinic. they are bluer can tune down the yellowish of the 6500K

epidemic · 08-11-2006, 12:28 AM

better than VHO?

Graham · 08-11-2006, 01:10 AM

Nah. VHO all the way.

When I used Iwasakis (two 250s) I had 4 actinics and I'd have to say that I got some colors out of corals I've never been able to since I stopped using them. Blues don't look as nice as they do under 10s or 20s IMO, but then you aren't primarily accenting the boue spectrum like you do with 20s and many 10s. Growth was phenomenal.... I'd say go for it!

madscientist · 08-11-2006, 08:06 AM

I am getting two 250w XM 15k's for my 65. Do you think I will need actinic supplement? I have most of the VHO setup to put two 36" lights under it. It desperately needs new bulbs, but otherwise is alright.

Clownnut · 08-11-2006, 08:26 AM

no offence to those who love VHO.i cant stand the VHO actinc

. too dark

. i ran 4 VHO on my 90

. cant see a **** thing unless u are 3 ft away.(maybe my basement's too dark

)but with 2 T5HO

, i can clearly see everything in the tank as long as i'm in my basement

.
not to mention the money u can save on dont have to change bulb every 9-12 months.

David Grigor · 08-11-2006, 10:31 AM

I will have to say that when Graham had the 250W 65K and the 4 actinics, It was the best looking 65k setup I had seen. However, that was 250W not 400W so it may take even more to drowned it out, so this is where T5 may make a difference. My personal preference, I do like the purple actinic vs. the blue but the blue will definately cover up the yellow better. May even use a combination of the two.

I wouldn't take out the reflector. Your just wasting light if you do.