explain my lighting???

[alix2.0]

ok i realize my lighting is crap. i was just hoping someone could explain what it all means, and if it is a decent compact florecsent fixture.
THANKS!
it is a coralife lunar aqualight, 30 inches.
1- 65 watt true actinic 03 blue compact florescent lamp
1- 10000K daylight compact florescent
2- built in removable electronic ballasts
high capacity built in removable cooling fan
highly polished reflector
removable acrylic lens cover
obviously right off the box. well if anyone can share some knowledge i would appreciate it!!! (lol, i dont even have any specific questions, any info, THANKS!!!)
alix

 

[alix2.0]

bump.

 

[perfectdark]

You basically have a std flourescent set up at 130 watts. You have one 65 watt daylight, and one 65 watt actinic (blue bulb). Depending on the size, more importantly the depth of your tank these bulbs will let you keep most soft corals, and some LPS. Hope this helps.

 

[alix2.0]

thank you. my tank is a 29 bowfront, about 30 inches tall from the top of the sand bed to the water line.

 

[alix2.0]

thank you. my tank is a 29 bowfront, about 30 inches tall from the top of the sand bed to the water line.

 

[mfp1016]

Depending on your water parameters, you can keep almost all LPS and SPS with that setup. Ive seen people using a lot smaller lights on 29 gallon tanks and they get excellent results... just my .02

 

[mfp1016]

Sorry I meant All LPS and SOME SPS. Probably not clams. I wouldn't expect crazy SPS colors either, but you can get them to look pretty good.

 

[alix2.0]

really? thats interesting. from what i was told when i purchased the lights i could keep shrooms and maybe zoos if i was lucky. lol. well thats why i started the thread, i did not know that.
BTW, i was under the impression that LPS need stronger lighting than SPS?

 

[mfp1016]

No the following is a simple breakdown of what needs light, of course this is VERY general:
Clams, SPS, Anenomes>LPS>Softies>Zoas>Mushrooms
Like I said very general.
People I've noticed are very fickle about the lighting subject, often cases are people who spent thousands of dollars and MH lights and demand everyone else use them as well. I personally try my best to stay away from MH because I dont like the colors. IMHO VHO produces the best color/results if you can fit enough bulbs in your canopy.
How deep is your tank? Depending on that you will definately need to play with the placement of corals under your PC lights. Probably have LPS towards the top with zoas and shrooms lower.

 

[nycbob]

30 inches is a pretty deep tank for a 29. with that light fixture, softies r fine. but the lps keep them in the top half. sps such as monti, must be kept near the top w god flow.

 

[alix2.0]

also, i was wondering, are these PCs? if not what are the differences between compact florescents and PCs? i ask because i almost never see the term "compact florescent" on this site but see PC quite often.
sorry for all the stupid questions. always trying to learn a little more!

edit/// my bad, the tank is 17 inches from the top of the sand bed to the water line... i have no idea how i messed that one up...

 

[alix2.0]

also, i was wondering, are these PCs? if not what are the differences between compact florescents and PCs? i ask because i almost never see the term "compact florescent" on this site but see PC quite often.
sorry for all the stupid questions. always trying to learn a little more!

edit/// my bad, the tank is 17 inches from the top of the sand bed to the water line... i have no idea how i messed that one up...

 

[jerthunter]

I believe PC is the same as compact floresent. You have a PC fixture and it should be plenty for most LPS corals. To give you a reference I have a hammer coral, LPS, deep in my tank, probably 20+ inches under 2 96watt PC bulbs and it has been doing great for nearly a year.

 

[alix2.0]

im retarded. i was ALSO wondering about HO and VHO. i know these mean high output and very high output but i have seen these terms referring to compact florescent lights... i was wondering if my lights fell into either of these categories. thanks.

 

[thangbom]

imo and ime, only zoos and shroom will thrive ( if even that) under your lighting....
pc = power compact= power compact flourecent
ho and vho are types of florescent bulbs.. ho = high output.. vho - very high output.. what really distingiush them is the bulb size.. ( like t5, t8,t12... the 't' and # = bulb diameter sizing... go) go down the lighting isle and you will see... t5 is the small little ones.. about 1/2 '' diameter.. then the t8 is like 3/4 inch diameter,, then t12.. like 1 1/4 inch diameter.. there are more sizes but we dont really use them on out tanks.... each lighting has it's up and down.. some have more down than up and some more up than down.. like pc.. more down that up... vho is pruddy even imo.. t5ho has more ups than down... and mh are even imo.. but depending on what your actually needs.. they can go either way a little.. as far as im concernd... it is worth it to have at least decent lighting.. ( i know.. it's exspensive) the reason is that good lighting brings out the beuty of our tanks by sooo much.. just compare regular old N.O ( normal output) lighting tanks.. they are dull.. then compare lighting on a reef set-up .. the colors just pop out at you.. even if you only have a FO tank.. your fish can look soo much better.. i mean.. if you are going to spend all that time and $$ might as well enjoy as much of it that you can...enjoy it to the fullest..
YzGyz