Lighting 4 Fish & Algae

[jessicarabit]

I have a double light hood(18") & I want to increase the illumination for support of green algea & to display my fish, espically the coral beauty. I have looked into the 50/50,6,500 full spectrum 10,000k & 20,000k. Which would be in my best interest? Also, any suggestion on how I can add more lighting for diversity, with or without replacing the hood?

 

[wamp]

I have always liked the 50/50 on FO tanks. They have a good amount of white and blue (hence the name 50/50)
As far as the algea goes. What type are you looking to grow? Some do well under noraml output lights and some like more. Some species of calurpea will grow but be aware, sometimes it can grow very fast and will have to be pruned..

 

[karvis]

fish don't care, but algae does

 

[jessicarabit]

Thanks for the 50/50 advice. I just want to grow enough algea for my tangs, mandarin & bottom feeders...but not the brown stuff. I have, with an 'over-the-sink' light ficture (a substitute)running day & night with just my live rock, seen tons of green growth. I have a 'back-up' tank & if have too, will grow feeder food, but would like this whole 20+ lbs live rock to be covered in it, while in my main tank.
Just loved your setup Wamp. Very professional.
Do you just have 50/50 over your coral? No hanging light/halide? Do you use a mixture of the different kinds of light?

 

[wamp]

I use 3 halides and 4 VHO lights under my canopy.. I use one 50/50 and 3 actinic VHOs. I would use more of the 50/50 bulbs but I get alot of that spectrum from the halides.
The 50/50 is more of a general use bulb. It provides both spevtrums required by corals and some algeas. Having said the a normal output will not support most corals but will help some algea grow.
Good Luck..

 

[wamp]

Your mandarin will not eat your algea. They eat "bugs" in your tank. Also, If you can't get enough algea to grow, you will need to suppliment it with some seaweed selects or some other sort of dried algea.

 

[jakepilot]

just add more light, heck you can grow algea with a 100 watt GE bulb like you put in your house...algea isnt picky.--jake