Is my lighting sufficient for ANYTHING?

F

fishhugger

Guest
I did ask this question in another thread, but it was a different topic and kindof got overlooked for the most part, so I would like to make a more dedicated thread for this.
I recently bought a very cheap T5HO fixture. I really like the light because it is a HUGE upgrade from the fluorescent bulbs, it is very bright compared to anything I have EVER used. But I am not sure what, if anything I could keep under it.
It is only a 2 bulb fixture and has 1 54w 12k bulb, and 1 54w actinic (I'm going to assume blue, because I am colorblind)
As far as I know they are no name bulbs, but I will check later, I really need to get to sleep soon.
It only has one reflector for both bulbs, but it is...for lack of better word....very shiny, almost mirror like, like a highly polished aluminum.
Also I ordered an LED light strip to try to rig up into moonlights, it was only 3 bucks, so I figured even if it doesnt look great, I cant really lose.
Color: blue
Voltage: 12V
Number of bulbs: 45 SMD LEDs
Wire length: 35cm-45cm
Strip length: 90cm
Self-adhesive back with 3M double side adhesive tape
It doesnt say how many watts the bulbs are, but I'm going to assume 1w each....sound right? Is it possible for it to be any less then 1watt?
Will this assist in growing anything at all? Or would it only be good for show.
SOOO...can I grow anything at all with this? If not, aside from buying a new fixture, is there anyways I can adjust my setup to make it work?
 
teresaq

teresaq

Active Member
I would say, depending on your tank size, you probably keep mushrooms, kenya trees, maybe even leathers, depending on how deep your tank is.
 
novahobbies

novahobbies

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by FishHugger http:///forum/thread/383028/is-my-lighting-sufficient-for-anything#post_3346658
Also I ordered an LED light strip to try to rig up into moonlights, it was only 3 bucks, so I figured even if it doesnt look great, I cant really lose.
Color: blue
Voltage: 12V
Number of bulbs: 45 SMD LEDs
Wire length: 35cm-45cm
Strip length: 90cm
Self-adhesive back with 3M double side adhesive tape
It doesnt say how many watts the bulbs are, but I'm going to assume 1w each....sound right? Is it possible for it to be any less then 1watt?
Will this assist in growing anything at all? Or would it only be good for show.
I'm going to guess that the LEDs are actually standard 5mm LEDs....which IIRC are just 1/4 watt each. This will put out plenty sufficient lighting for moonlights, but it's pretty much just for show.
 
F

fishhugger

Guest
Standard 55 gallon tank. 21 outside height, so about 19" from the top of water to sand.
And thanks for the info on the LED's, I only wanted them for moonlights, but if it would promote any growth at all, that would be a bonus.;
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
Well here's my thought:
Since you have the LED's, to get some extra potential out of your lighting, put in two daylights instead of an actinic and a daylight. You could make one more of blue or purple daylight instead of straight white 10K.
The LED strip will work great as a moonlight and although it won't really help growth, it can help to accent the colors of the corals. I run an LED strip on my tank with my halides and actinics and it definitely helps bring out the florescent colors.
If you did two daylights, you should be able to keep most LPS and softies. I would stay away from SPS. Obviously the higher light demanding corals would need to go further towards the top, but I think it's doable if planned out properly. Obviously, there will be limits, you really need at least two more T5's bulbs on the tank, but it's doable.
 
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