Power Compact for a FOWLR?

djminus1

djminus1

Member
Hello...
I have a question about the best lighting for a 90 gallon FOWLR. This is an agressive tank with about 50 lbs of LR. Since the beginning, I have been using an All-Glass Twin Tube Flourescent strip light with a 10000k bulb and an actinic. This lighting is ok, but I wonder if I would be happier with a PC setup to bring out some cool colors in my fish. Maybe something like 4X55 with two 10000k and two actinics? Would this make a big difference from what I currently have? Maybe a different combo of bulbs?
Any other suggestions?
 
hurt

hurt

Active Member
If you get a pc light, you will definitely notice a difference in the color and brightness of your tank. Everything will look much better with a PC than a NO. Your LR will grow coraline much faster. But, it is not a necessity for a FOWLR-though it will make your tank look better
 
djminus1

djminus1

Member
How will it effect Cyano-bacteria (Red Slime)? I have been battling this as my tank is still under a year old. I think I finally have it somewhat under control and I don't want new lighting to hinder my progress.
 
kdfrosty

kdfrosty

Active Member
4x55w PC lighting means that you are looking at Jebo fixtures. I have one, but would advise people to stay away from them. They're poor quality.
Most 48" PCs are 4x65w, which isnt much lighting over a 90g tank. you would be able to keep low light corals only, which would include mushrooms and possibly zoos. I'd say that any corals more light demanding that those previously mentioned arent guaranteed to thrive under that lighting.
 
9lives

9lives

Member
I have been using one of the 4x55 Jebo fixtures for about a year now with no problems.
Of course,the first thing I did was take everything out of the unventalated housing,mount the ballasts on a block of wood to allow air to flow around them and mounted the bulbs inside my canopy.
Allow everthing to stay cool and they will be ok.
 
kdfrosty

kdfrosty

Active Member
I used the fixture as-is for 6 months. I didnt have any problems with it at all, but I was just stating that I noticed how cheaply made it was.
Since then I've dismantled the fixture and used the two ballasts, all sockets, and reflector to retrofit my caonpy.
 
djminus1

djminus1

Member
This is an agressive FOWLR so I will have no corals....just looking for lighting improvements for viewing my fish.
Can anyone address my question about the red slime?
 
moprint

moprint

Member
I have the same fixture on my 55 I haven't had any problems with it. The cyano problem is probably not enough flow, or nitrates and phosphates are higher then they should be. Do you have a fuge with cheato in it and a skimmer?
 
hurt

hurt

Active Member
It won't directly effect the cyano, because cyano is a bacteria colony
So phosphates and nitrates have no direct effect upon cyano
?
Hmm, that's a new one to my self? Please explain? I'd love to hear the scientific explanation to that one?
 
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