Lighting opinions/suggestions

Stege_saurus · Feb 9, 2022

I've been looking through many different posts, trying to figure out what could be best for my situation but I haven't found a definite answer yet.

I would like to light my display tank to a point where it looks like you are snorkeling through a reef, but have the appropriate amount of light needed for the corals to grow. I also want to figure out a way to prevent algae growth, or at least minimize it to a point.

Should I run more blues?
More whites?
How long of a daylight cycle is appropriate?

I have a T5/LED setup. LEDs arent super powerful but provide a good ramp up and down. I think they're Current Marine Orbit?

I also have alot of LPS and soft corals.

Nanojoe · Feb 9, 2022

Colors from LEDs are more preference to the overall look. A blue dominated look will slow algae growth but not stop it.
I prefer a more white look and it will get you closer to the natural look you are aiming for.
I have radions on 12 hour cycle with 1 hour ramps in the AM and PM. This too is a preference. I run 12 hours to help with pH

T5s are a great light setup to have. They give a better spread and a "blanket" of light rather than LEDs which are pretty much laser beams without diffusers.

Lighting has been a hot topic for awhile now...

Stege_saurus · Feb 9, 2022

Nanojoeaquatic said:
Colors from LEDs are more preference to the overall look. A blue dominated look will slow algae growth but not stop it.
I prefer a more white look and it will get you closer to the natural look you are aiming for.
I have radions on 12 hour cycle with 1 hour ramps in the AM and PM. This too is a preference. I run 12 hours to help with pH

T5s are a great light setup to have. They give a better spread and a "blanket" of light rather than LEDs which are pretty much laser beams without diffusers.

Lighting has been a hot topic for awhile now...

I've noticed, I'm hoping to get all sorts of answers and opinions by searching through everything