Basic Lighting Question

Bryn · Jun 23, 2012

I know from plants that I need spikes in wavelengths of 440, 470, 640, and 660nm. I'm guessing that most shallow corals most likely will require the same spikes. Some of the deeper corals due to depth would respond more to the blue wavelength.

So how did you go about deciding what was the best lighting solution for your tank? Did you limit your coral choice because of the lighting?

Thanks

Bryn

turbo21 · Jun 23, 2012

No

I went strictly for what was pleasing to my eye and wallet. That's why I have a DIY led rig over my 220 reef

Reef Breeders · Jun 23, 2012

You want spikes in the 420nm range, and 630nm range. So in addition to cool whites and royal blues, add a few violets and reds/oranges

Dowtish · Jun 24, 2012

Bryn, Are you planning on using LED's or T5's?

Bryn · Jun 24, 2012

Dowtish, that is a question I'm a little stuck on. T5's would be cheap to start, but LED's is more long term, also the LED gives me some control over the lighting I want. I might be over thinking this, but I like to find some light with a flat section from 490-585nm's, with peaks in the blue and red's. This would remove the wasted light in the green/yellow section. I'm looking to maximize the benefit to the tanks inhabitants more so than the tank looking preaty (or pretty?).

Still have some work to do in my research.

Bryn

gmoney243 · Jun 24, 2012

Its not wasted u need that spectrum to show those colors. T5 are an easy go to for corals. They look great and all corals look good under the right t5s. If you want easy plug and play go for T5. Leds and MH grow faster corals and also look great but leds can look funny if you have the wrong whites. Long as you have royal blues and whites of like 6500-10k you shouldn't be missing any spectrum.

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orthokardia · Jun 25, 2012

it does not seem like we really know the details of spectral usage at this time. i have read several good articles and heard Sonjia talk on the subject, but the research has just not been done yet. that said those setups using more colors do seem to show out better.