Lighting

[Squantobeatinu]

I I'm think about going with a all compact fluorescent lighting for my aquarium I want know if it's a bad idea for a reef set up or is ok for one and if it's fine what should I have in it I have a 130 gallon tank 72/21/21 please let me know what should I do thanks I want to be able to support any coral may not get all kinds but I ratter no I can safely and if it can be done with compact fluorescents I want to do it that way thank u

 

[ccCapt]

Compact fluorescent bulbs are not a good choice for a reef tank with corals. You need T5's, MH or LED's if you plan on keeping corals.

 

[Squantobeatinu]

is it good with mh i have 150 watt mh 2 of them to be exact

 

[Squantobeatinu]

and or what leds can be used the only reason why i ask is because i have 3 compact fluorescents ballast that holds 2 bulbs each i have a hqi ballast for 2 150 watt hgi bulbs and 2 48'' compact fluorescent system

 

[ccCapt]

2 MH bulbs insn't enought for a 6' tank. You would need 3 for full coverage. Also 150's are pretty weak. I wouldn't go with anything less than 175w and even bettter yet would be 250's.
There are many LED lighting systems that work great for reef setups. Depending on your budget, lighting a 6' tank can run anywhere from about $500 to $2,000.

 

[Squantobeatinu]

ok cause ive seen 2 reef tank ran by all compact fluorescent but didnt know if that was a good idea ok i will look into a mh system with 3 bulbs thanks

 

[Squantobeatinu]

also what power should i get mh in meaning (k)

 

[mr_X]

K, refers to color temperature. That has little to do with power. It's mostly for the look. If you like a crisp white light, go with a 12 or 14k. 20k would be more blue. Generally, the higher kelvin or "k" lamps are less potent than the lower, but it's not always the case.

 

[Squantobeatinu]

Ok I made my lighting system myself from the hood to the bulb holders to reflectors I have 3 175w mh. Only two working I still need to buy a ballast for the third one I have 2 96 watt CPF and 4 55 watt CPF do u think that will be enough light for my 130g tank that is 21 inch high

 

[mr_X]

Yes, providing you use quality lamps.

 

[Squantobeatinu]

What should be the kelvin on the hqi bulbs. I'm going to get all the compacts actinic I want best growth but with the purple blue color which I think the actinic will give me

 

[mr_X]

The halides tend to drown out the PC light. I would go with something at least 14k. I forget who, and which lamp it was, but someone posted PAR results from a 175 watt lamp that outdid many 250 watters. Those lamps would be what I would use. I think maybe Larry (ccCapt)?

 

[Squantobeatinu]

Another question what should be a good height off of your tank should be your lights cause I may have mine to heigh but want to make sure