Need help choosing replacement bulbs

[wildeone]

I currently runa Current USA fiture that has (2) 96w Dual Daylight 6,700k/10,000k and (2) 96 watt Dual Actinic 420nm/460nm. I could purchase the same bulbs, but before I do, should I be running anything different? My choices in bulbs are:


96 watt 460nm Actinic


96 watt 420nm Actinic


96 watt 10,000k Daylight


96 watt 6,700k Daylight


96 watt SmartPaq 10,000k Daylight/460nm Actinic


96 watt Dual Actinic 420nm/460nm


96 watt Dual Daylight 6,700k/10,000k

I run a softie tank mainly with an anemone and everything is doing fine. But if I am going to change anything now would be a good time. Thanks!

[JayBeDriften]

Why don't you upgrade to Metal Halide. You can get a complete retro kit with for $200.00

[JR Aquatics]

I would go with the standard 10K instead of the dual 6,700/10,000k. The actinics I could never tell the difference between the 420 and the 460, and I'm not to sure if the is a beneficial difference. What size tank are you running these on?

[wildeone]

I am running it on a 65g. The reason I have not gone to MH is because I have all (save one) softie and I really don't need the MH. I thought I would put together MH for my next tank. Somewhere in a forum someone posted an aquarium ligting link that actually allowed you to see the difference in color, like a simulator. I need to look at that so I can see the difference.

[wildeone]

I founf the link i referred to above. It was originally posted by Rob. http://chrismorris.ca/250wcolour/

[fat walrus]

Wildeone, you are enjoying great successes in you tank with the current lighting. I would question the need or wisdom to make any changes at this time.

Consider saving up for a more drastic upgrade, improvement, or addition.

[Reefbaby]

http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/local_links.php

Check out the link above for many more articles about lighting. I believe the lighting comparison is also posted in there as well...

[wildeone]

Wildeone, you are enjoying great successes in you tank with the current lighting. I would question the need or wisdom to make any changes at this time.

Consider saving up for a more drastic upgrade, improvement, or addition.

Finally getting around tofollowing up on this issue. Although the thought of a M/H upgrade sounds awesome, I think I will follow FW's advice and stick with the PC's. I don't understand the difference betweeen the 420nm and the 460 nm actinics. I guess the 420 is bluer? And I think the 10000K are bluer than the 6700K. Does anyone see an issue with going with two 10000k and two 420nm bulbs over the (2) 96w Dual Daylight 6,700k/10,000k and (2) 96 watt Dual Actinic 420nm/460nm that I have now?

[Reefbaby]

I don't know a whole lot about PC lighting, but as long as you have a good mixture between the daylight and blue colors, you'll probably be satisfied.

I'm not sure either how the PC kelvin temps compare with MH, but I would say that 10,000k would be a better temp than 6,700, which might be leaning a bit towards the yellow tints....

sorry...hope someone else hops in here with more PC knowledge!

[JR Aquatics]

You will be much happier with the colors that this kalvin ratings brings to your tank.

[wildeone]

OK, thats the way I will go. Thanks!

[fat walrus]

6700K = more PAR for coral for growth, but yellow to our eyes.

10000K = less PAR for coral growth, but shows highlights and coral colors better, and the water/tank looks more pleasing to our eyes. Fish colors also looks nicer.

420nm = more UVC, thus more and deeper color pigmentations in coral flesh to serve as sunblock.

460nm = deeper actinic penetration to encourage faster tissue and bone growth.

My assessment:

A) 6700K and 460nm if one wants rapid growth.

B) 10000K and 420nm if one wants colorful corals and pleasing water color.

My 2 cents as a long time PC user, but ignorant tank keeper.

[Reefbaby]

thanks FW - I was having a hard time finding any information describing it so well! :)

[wildeone]

Well put as always lil buddy! So, since I have new corals, and a bunch a room for them to grow, I will go with the 6700 and 460. I am glad I checked this post again before I ordered.

Now, I assume I want to go with (2) 6700K bulbs and (2) 460nm actinic, and not any other combnation of the two. Also, is it est to buy them all at once or can I stage them in? My wallet would feel better with me replacing my 2 dual daylights now and the other two a month or so down the road.

[gwen_o_lyn]

I don't understand buying 6700K bulbs. That's gonna encourage some serious algae growth!

You can stage out the replacement. Some people replace one bulb per week for example so they don't burn their corals.

[wildeone]

Explain that algae growth issue to me. I am ignorant on bulbs, kelvin and at that great stuff Edison brought to us.

[gwen_o_lyn]

It's just that algae grows better at the 6700 spectrum than 10000.

This explains why you may have more algae growth when your bulbs are due for changing- like in my tank right now for example- old bulbs and lots of algae- yuck!

[Reefbaby]

does this necessarily also apply to VHOs as well?

In terms of MHs (and again, I don't know if the kelvins affect in the same way or not, although I would assume they do), I agree with Gwen - I wouldn't go with 6700K, as it is quite yellow and will encourage the growth of all algaes (also macros, which could be a good thing).

[fat walrus]

Yes, 6700k can increase growth or corals, AND ALGAE GROWTH AT THE SAME TIME. A 10,000k can have less algae growth, AND LESS CORAL GROWTH AT THE SAME TIME.

1) Given that execessive algae growth is fed by nutrients and only stimulated by photo spectrum, we can assume that unwanted algae growth is based more on water quality parameters rather than light spectrum.
A) A proper regiment of scavengers must be adhered to.
B) Higher PAR means more calcium intake........hence more discipline in Ca maintaince.
C) More Ca intake also requires more kH maintaince.
D) More kH maintaince requires more vigilance for pH.

2) A well managed tank with thriving coral growth will compete and outstrip algae growth if the conditions are ideal.
A) Given that items A,B,C, and D of (1) are correct, algae growth is within our control.

3) A tank with 10,000K that is allowed to decay in spectrum to such level as 6700K signifies 2 things:
A) Poor equipement maintaince and upkeep.
B) Running a tank with water parameters/feeding habits geared toward 10,000K and inability/unwillingness to compensate over time.

[Reefbaby]

well put FW!! Thank you! :D

[V]

now thats how you post! http://www.alexander-oberg.de/smileys/boxen.gif "i hear bells ringing"

[fat walrus]

now thats how you post! http://www.alexander-oberg.de/smileys/boxen.gif "i hear bells ringing"
Everytime you hear a bell, an angel gets his wings.

My best posts are the usually after I have broken the blood/alcohol limit.

[V]

sometimes im the same, then im cactushttp://www.alexander-oberg.de/smileys/Ghost_an.gif and no good to anyone except in full contact sport...hehe

[wildeone]

Ok so, now let me see if I have this right. People who are lax on there maintenance and upkeep should run 10000K and those who kepp up, should use 6700K?

Thanks for everyones input and opinions....

[Boz]

Wildeone, you are enjoying great successes in you tank with the current lighting. I would question the need or wisdom to make any changes at this time.

Consider saving up for a more drastic upgrade, improvement, or addition.


Ain't that the truth ... if it ain't broke, don't fix it, especially in our hobby!:rotfl: