Lighting for 75 Gallon - Aquarium Advice

jjcbone · 01-27-2007, 08:14 PM

I have a 75 gallon with 2x250 halide at 10k ... it looks really whitish (bleached) or yellowish, even with the 4x65 actinic running next to the halides....
do you think I should change the 2x250 halide to 20k ??
whats the best combination of light for lps and anemone's .. etc...

**lando** · 01-27-2007, 08:49 PM

20K will bring you more into the "blue/purple" area of the light spectrum. If you are using actinic suppliments, consider 14K instead. IMHO, it looks more balanced.

jjcbone · 01-28-2007, 06:42 PM

Just installed the new light it has --- 2x250W 10K HQI, 4x65W CF True Actinic, and 6xBluemoon LED
This is about 6 inches above my 75 gallon tank ... it seems overpowering ??
When you calculate the WPG do you add the MH with the true actinic ?? or is it just the MH ?
In my case I have 2x250 MH = 500 watts MH
and 4x65 true actinic = 260 true actinic

So in total I have 760 watts total light which 10.13 WPG does that sound like to much ???
Also the color is very yellowish, what do I do now ?? I am so confused !!!

**melosu58** · 01-28-2007, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lando

20K will bring you more into the "blue/purple" area of the light spectrum. If you are using actinic suppliments, consider 14K instead. IMHO, it looks more balanced.

I thought Brian had a good idea on his post here. I personally like the actinic look. Maybe you might want to go with the 175 watt instead if you think it too overpowering.

jjcbone · 01-28-2007, 07:41 PM

Its my first experience with MH ... I didn't know I could put in smaller bulbs ??
So in essence the fixture can handle up to 250 watt bulbs and anything smaller is fine also ??

Do you think the total 760 is to much ??
and do you think going with 175 or so in 14k or 20k would be better for my 75 gallon tank ??

**melosu58** · 01-28-2007, 07:50 PM

I dont think it will be too much later on but I do believe it will be at the beginning. You`ll need to acclimate your tank to that much lighting. Maybe just starting for a few hrs a day or as someone suggested awhile back putting some screens under them and removing them days at a time till you get to light only. You definitely need to do this for your corals.

**lando** · 01-28-2007, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Just installed the new light it has --- 2x250W 10K HQI, 4x65W CF True Actinic, and 6xBluemoon LED

10K MH with CF actinic suppliments is very common. It seems to be "stock" on most out-of the-box systems. I am sur eit will look pleasing to the eye.

Quote:

When you calculate the WPG do you add the MH with the true actinic ?? or is it just the MH ?
In my case I have 2x250 MH = 500 watts MH
and 4x65 true actinic = 260 true actinic

relying on the "watts/gal" rule is not the best practice. While it helps a vey loose guideline, please do not build your tank on this alone. More importanlty, consider the types of corals you intend to keep and build your system around those.

PC · 01-28-2007, 10:03 PM

Got chiller?

Peace.

**roka64** · 01-29-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PC

Got chiller?

Peace.

I had a problem with the temp in my tank ranging from 78-83 degrees. I got a fan and placed it at one of the tank and now the temp is a stable 79degrees.

**melosu58** · 01-29-2007, 10:09 AM

I agree with Scott. A fan is a wonderful thing in keeping temps down.

01-27-2007, 08:14 PM	#1
jjcbone Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 9	Lighting for 75 Gallon I have a 75 gallon with 2x250 halide at 10k ... it looks really whitish (bleached) or yellowish, even with the 4x65 actinic running next to the halides.... do you think I should change the 2x250 halide to 20k ?? whats the best combination of light for lps and anemone's .. etc...

01-27-2007, 08:49 PM	#2
lando Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Savage, MN Posts: 7,632 Images: 46	20K will bring you more into the "blue/purple" area of the light spectrum. If you are using actinic suppliments, consider 14K instead. IMHO, it looks more balanced. __________________ Some people are like slinkies...they serve no real purpose yet can still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs! Have a great day! Brian

01-28-2007, 07:50 PM	#6
melosu58 SW 10 yrs and over Community Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 12,104 Images: 73	I dont think it will be too much later on but I do believe it will be at the beginning. You`ll need to acclimate your tank to that much lighting. Maybe just starting for a few hrs a day or as someone suggested awhile back putting some screens under them and removing them days at a time till you get to light only. You definitely need to do this for your corals. __________________ View My Tanks Click here to Visit FantasyReef

01-28-2007, 10:03 PM	#8
PC Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Memphis, Tn Posts: 726 Images: 5	Got chiller? Peace. __________________ To fail to plan is to plan to fail.

01-29-2007, 10:09 AM	#10
melosu58 SW 10 yrs and over Community Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 12,104 Images: 73	I agree with Scott. A fan is a wonderful thing in keeping temps down. __________________ View My Tanks Click here to Visit FantasyReef

01-28-2007, 06:42 PM	#3
jjcbone Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 9	Just installed the new light it has --- 2x250W 10K HQI, 4x65W CF True Actinic, and 6xBluemoon LED This is about 6 inches above my 75 gallon tank ... it seems overpowering ?? When you calculate the WPG do you add the MH with the true actinic ?? or is it just the MH ? In my case I have 2x250 MH = 500 watts MH and 4x65 true actinic = 260 true actinic So in total I have 760 watts total light which 10.13 WPG does that sound like to much ??? Also the color is very yellowish, what do I do now ?? I am so confused !!!

01-28-2007, 07:41 PM	#5
jjcbone Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 9	Its my first experience with MH ... I didn't know I could put in smaller bulbs ?? So in essence the fixture can handle up to 250 watt bulbs and anything smaller is fine also ?? Do you think the total 760 is to much ?? and do you think going with 175 or so in 14k or 20k would be better for my 75 gallon tank ??

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
55 gallon lighting	MitcherNeaf	Freshwater & Brackish - Planted Tanks	1	10-24-2006 12:09 PM
10 gallon lighting	CaptnIgnit	Freshwater & Brackish - Planted Tanks	27	09-01-2006 03:02 AM
Lighting for a 150 gallon or 180 gallon	janek	Freshwater & Brackish - Planted Tanks	8	08-27-2006 03:04 PM
lighting my 29 gallon	ringfinger	Freshwater & Brackish - General Discussion	6	10-31-2005 09:44 PM
what lighting to use for 50 gallon lighting	supermarvin76	Saltwater & Reef - Archive	5	05-15-2005 09:20 PM