Tek question

[Tyrrell109]

Im trying to use 3 bulbs on my 4 bulb fixture. Is there any way to get the light to work without another being used? Im just looking for a way to make the light think there is a bulb there so the other can be lit.
Thanks

 

[TooTime]

I have used wire with tin foil on edges to make light work, it just needs the current to make a circuit.

 

[coral88]

Why dont you just add the fourth bulb?
If you want less light you can use an actinic insted of a blue. Most actinic bulb have about a third of the output of a blue+ or a white .
I did this on one of my frag tanks where i wanted less light. I was at 120-130 PAR and droped it to 90-100 by swapping a blue+ for an actinic

 

[Tyrrell109]

Yea it is for lower par. The 10k is the one im trying to get rid of or replace possibly.

Edit: While Im thinking of it can anyone list how much of a difference in light each one makes out of the usual bulbs. Fiji, Aqua Blue +, ect....

 

[Tyrrell109]

Any places here in Fla that are near tampa for bulbs?

 

[coral88]

I dont know exaxt par for each bulb but can give you a close number of one bulb compared to another.
Fiji purple 350
Most white 330
Most Blue+ 320
Most actinic 120
The par for each bulb will change in different fixtures and at different distances
If you tell me what you want to grow and the size of you tank and light I can give you a very good idea of what bulbs you will want
There are two stores in tampa that I like Coral Corral and Fish and other ichthy stuff
Both should have bulbs

 

[Tyrrell109]

I have a 29BC(HQI model if it matters) with the tek hanging 14" away from the water.
I keep mainly Lps but have Nems high on the pillar, some ricordia, and a JB shroom.
Heres a old picture but you get the idea. Thanks

 

[coral88]

If I was putting T5s over that tank I would start with 2 actinics 1 blue+ and one white 12k if it seems like too little light you could add one more blue+ But I bet that will do the trick. I have two frag tanks with 4bulk Tek lights over them and I run 2 blue+ one actinic and one 12k but my lights are about 18" over the tank. I still get 100+ par in those tanks.

Nice tank