Lighting Color

[Mojo]

Hello,

I was curious if the color of light matters as long as you run at least a 6500K bulb? For instance I run 4 colors, Actinic, 6,500k, 20,000k & a bulb called a 'Triton' the Triton color is reddish/pink.

Could I run all 20,000k lamps if the color pleased me? Or maybe just 1 Actinic & three 20k's? I have approx. 150lbs of LR & a few softies.

Thanks in advance,

Well I don't know for sure I always go by wattage, are you using VHO or MH?
I don't like the pinkish lights as it looks un-natural to me.

[Mojo]

Im sure I don't have enough wattage, lol. What is VHO? I think MH is halide, correct?

I currently run four 40watt flourescent fixtures on a 55gal tank.

thanks,

Yes MH is Halide lights.
VHO= Very High Output flourescent bulbs,
I have an ICE Cap 660 ballast that runs 4 x 110 watts = 440watts.

I know there is a rule for watts per gallon but don't remember what it is.
PM Matt or go to http://www.3reef.com/cgi-bin/yabb/Ya...board=lighting

[Mojo]

do they make lamps higher than 40 watts flourescent?

[inwall75]

NO (normal output) flourescents max out at 55 watts. VHO (very high output) flourescents max out at 160 watts. MH (metal halides) max out at 400 watts (I think).

I would definately take a wander through the lighting forum as there is a lot of good info. The amount of watts you need depends on the depth of the tank and the types of corals you want to keep. Some demand more light than others.

[Mojo]

thanks for the help folks...