Lighting

[Puppy]

I have fluval LEDs and got a t-5 metal hailide also my question is what opinions are which would be better for zoas? I have a 46gal bow front and really like the zoas I have but the LEDs don't seem to do much for them and was considering hooking up the t-5

 

[Joeganja]

Well zoas love all types of lights. Seem to do better in LEDs and t5s that's for sure. Halides do the job well but you have to get their positioning correct. If your zoas don't like your light then something is probably wrong with your water or position with flow or not enough light.

 

[FlyinBryan]

What wattage are your fluval leds? It makes a huge difference. Your investment in MH & t5's is probably your best. Keep params in check as well.

 

[Puppy]

I'm not really sure the wattage. It's a fluval 2.0 light. Part of the problem I guess is the control. I usually just turn it on high when I get home at 6am then turn down at 3pm when I wake up and turn on the blues at 5:30 when I go to work and my wife shuts them all off around 10pm. Same routine everyday. Maybe the wifi app that sets them to different settings brightness would help?

 

[jent]

Pretty sure those LED's are fairly low output. The 46 bow is not a particularly short tank either. I suspect that they would do a lot better with either different LED's or a t5 / MH setup.

That said, as Joeganja said earlier, water quality always plays a role too.