Nanocube / Zoanthid Tank Lights

[gt1968]

I have two Nanocubes (1+ year old) - 1 6 gallon and 1 12 gallon. I recently purchased an upgraded hood for my 6 with 2x18 watt PC 50/50's. As for my 12... I have been running 2x24 watt PC 50/50's and 1x24 watt actinic PC light, but replaced the lights 2 weeks ago with 3x24 watt 50/50's because the actinic was not easy to find without having to order online and pay a bunch for shipping. Since the light upgrade I have noticed that my zoo's in my 6 are looking better (could still be a lot better) and the zoos in my 12 are opening back up and looking much better, but I also notice some brown algae forming on the sand bed. I am wondering if I should have loaded the 6 gallon with 1x18 watt 50/50 and 1x18 watt actinic and replaced the lights in my 12 with the same type of lights I had been running for the past year (1x24 watt actinic and 2x24 watt 50/50's).

I would appreciate any comments on my choice of new lights because I would like to have my zoo tanks look the best that they can.

 

[fishes2889]

Well the lighting all seems sufficient for zoa's and all other softies. it seems like a nice selection of lights as well.

But for the brown algae forming on the SB, do you have anything that is sifting the sand?

Oh yeah and,
:welcome:

Steve :color:

 

[gt1968]

I have a bunch of blue leg hermits and a few astria snails. Is there something else that you recommend? Also, would the zoo's benefit from more blue actinic light than all 50/50's?

 

[fishes2889]

I would do the 50/50.

There are cucumbers, moon snails, and sandsifting stars that do a good job...

Steve

 

[colinadam]

I would do the 50/50.

There are cucumbers, moon snails, and sandsifting stars that do a good job...

Steve

And they would all die quickly in a nano.

Get some Nassarius snails (5 for the small tank, 10 for the big tank), nerite snails (2-3 in each) & Cernith Snails (1-2 each).

 

[gt1968]

The 50/50 lights are actually 10K/7100K combos - would I be better off using a 50/50 made up of 10K/03 Actinic? I really want to get my zoanthids back to their original brilliant color and do not know what I am missing?