light settings

[sitdwnbreh]

Hey,

I purchased a green BTA and red blasto today for my 6.8 Imagitaium (modified with an integrated filtration delete; substituted with a 90GPH Finnex canister filter). GSP has been growing in it for a few months and a week ago I decided to upgrade the default light to a Fluval Sea Marine Nano (5x5) bluetooth LED 20watt. My settings are Sunrise: 2 1/2 hours, Daylight: 7 hours at 3% red, 96% cyan, 96% blue, 96% purple, 53% cold white, Sunset: 1 1/2 hour, Night: 2 1/2 hours at 0% red, 90% cyan, 30% blue, 90% purple, 0% cold white. As far as livestock goes I have 2 Black Snowflake clownfish, 1 turbo snail, 1 trochus snail, 2 nassarius snails, 2 Mexican hermit crabs. This is my first BTA and blasto so I'm just looking for pointers/criticism. All my parameters are pretty consistent with salinity at 1.025, my light is 6 inches suspended over my tank, and I don't have a power head.

Thanks

 

[rfgonzo]

I'm trying to read between the lines. What's the actual question your looking for help with? Lights or BTA and Blasto?

 

[sitdwnbreh]

I'm trying to read between the lines. What's the actual question your looking for help with? Lights or BTA and Blasto?

Today it seemed like my lights were too bright for the BTA. Just wondering was intensities I should have my LEDs at? and If I should purchase a powerhead for this size aquarium?

 

[rfgonzo]

That's going to be a very small tank for BTA and BTA's need a well established system. Usually around 6 mo to 1 year. How long has your tank been running? Personally I wouldn't have one in anything smaller then say 32 to 40 gallons.

 

[sitdwnbreh]

've had fish in it for over a year and coral about 3 months. Once my fish/coral grow a little more I was going to upgrade it to a 20gal

 

[svogun]

Unless you are measuring PAR its all guess as visually we can't really "see" what the intensity is. Renting, borrowing or buying a PAR meter takes all the guess work out of it. Check out Dana Riddle's lecture from MACNA a few years back.

 

[sitdwnbreh]

I'll check that out. I was trying to do it without a PAR meter. my geographic location is on the remote side. any idea if an LFS word rent it to me or a mailing company?

 

[svogun]

I'll check that out. I was trying to do it without a PAR meter. my geographic location is on the remote side. any idea if an LFS word rent it to me or a mailing company?

Some do. You'd have to check. I bought mine a few years ago and it really is a useful tool. Might be something you want to look into adding to your equipment list down the road. I do think it is most important when first setting up your lighting though.