Whats the best grow out lighting?

[VincentBrown83]

I am sure that you have seen this question many times over the years but just want to get some opinions. I have a 220 gallon tank and would like to be zoas and lps. I am currently running some cheap leds but my coral seems so starved for light.

 

[mcarroll]

Get a lux meter to judge your light's brightness.

You can get a smart phone app for free, or handheld meter is only $15.

Measured at the waters surface, direct sunlight is about 100,000 lux.

If you can tune your light to around 40,000-50,000 lux you will be set.

Growth can be limited by more than light, but I'd still start with the lux meter since it will cost nothing and give you answers.

 

[VincentBrown83]

ok thank you will look into it

 

[SAWDUSTINTANK]

Get a lux meter to judge your light's brightness.

You can get a smart phone app for free, or handheld meter is only $15.

Measured at the waters surface, direct sunlight is about 100,000 lux.

If you can tune your light to around 40,000-50,000 lux you will be set.

Growth can be limited by more than light, but I'd still start with the lux meter since it will cost nothing and give you answers.

Can you point me in the direction of this $15 hand held meter? Thanks.

 

[Pete polyp]

The best grow out lighting will be metal halide. Anyone who says otherwise is sadly mistaken. Throw some 6500k halides over your tank and watch it grow. That is if you can handle the nasty yellow color of the light. You can go with 10000k for a crisp white and still get phenomenal growth. 14000k will give it a hint of blue but won't grow as fast. It will still be faster than any other light out there though.

 

[mcarroll]

Just search for the model name "lx-1010b" - they are sold everywhere.

I got mine on eBay, but Amazon, DH gate and others sell them as well.

I'd still get the app while you wait for the handheld to arrive though.