Need New CF Bulbs- Want my soft corals to fluoresce!

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by Astrick117, Oct 13, 2011.

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  1. Astrick117

    Astrick117 Stylophora

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    Hey Everyone,

    I need to get new 65w CF's for my 30" Current USA Orbit. I have seen so many pictures of tanks with bright beautiful corals and my current bulbs don't seem to be doing the trick.

    Right now I have two 65w CF's on my 24g Aquapod. One bulb is a 6,700K/ 10,000K SmartPaq and the other is a 420nm/ 460nm actinic.

    Anyone have suggestions of how to get the desired fluorescence using my current set-up, just with a new combo of bulbs?

    Also, I am not looking to "upgrade" to another lighting system as I hope to move to a 55g not too far in the future.
     
    Astrick117, Oct 13, 2011
    Astrick117, Oct 13, 2011
    #1

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  2. rainmkr07

    rainmkr07 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    The quick answer is: you can't with CF's. The best you could do is get actinic bulbs, but they don't have the pop that T5s or LEDs do.
     
    rainmkr07, Oct 13, 2011
    rainmkr07, Oct 13, 2011
    #2
  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Buy the 10000K/420nm combo for both bulbs. You will get good fluorescing for about 3 to 4 months IME.

    +1 to rainmkr's comment otherwise. It will be cheaper overall to change to T5HO since you don't need to change bulbs every 6 months and will use less electricity. You will also be able to keep more light requiring animals in more locations in your tank. LED will give you even lower electricity costs and much longer life.
     
    2in10, Oct 13, 2011
    2in10, Oct 13, 2011
    #3
  4. Astrick117

    Astrick117 Stylophora

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    Thanks for the feedback. As I mentioned, I don't want to buy a new light for my Aquapod right now because I am hoping to move to a 55g soon. I just need to find a new home for my freshwater tank first...

    As a side note, I do have a 24" Coralife t5, but it only has two 24w (I think) bulbs. Would that be better to use? I just figured the 2 65w CF's would pump out so much more light. I only have soft corals though...
     
    Astrick117, Oct 13, 2011
    Astrick117, Oct 13, 2011
    #4
  5. rainmkr07

    rainmkr07 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    honestly. i will wait for others to chime in to confirm, but I would venture a guess the 48w of t5ho would put out higher par readings than 130w of CF. and those would give you the pop you're seeking.
     
    rainmkr07, Oct 13, 2011
    rainmkr07, Oct 13, 2011
    #5
  6. ricoop

    ricoop Skunk Shrimp

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    +1 to the 2 t5's.

    You could play with the bulb type more. Just not many choices in the way of CF's. I just started my 30g and was considering using CF's for budget reasons, but after researching them I decided on t5. I'm glad I did.
     
    ricoop, Oct 13, 2011
    ricoop, Oct 13, 2011
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  7. benbabcock

    benbabcock Bubble Tip Anemone

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    ya...they may not give off more par but i think it will be sufficient for your softies. and with some ATIs (aqua blue and a Blue +) you will get fluorescence, i guarantee that!
     
    benbabcock, Oct 13, 2011
    benbabcock, Oct 13, 2011
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  8. Astrick117

    Astrick117 Stylophora

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    So since I have two 24w bulbs to work with, what do you recommend?
     
    Astrick117, Oct 13, 2011
    Astrick117, Oct 13, 2011
    #8
  9. ricoop

    ricoop Skunk Shrimp

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    +1 to benbabcock. ATI's are what most will recommend. That combination will give you a bluer look that should make your colors pop.
     
    ricoop, Oct 13, 2011
    ricoop, Oct 13, 2011
    #9
  10. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    why not run both?
     
    brunoboarder244, Oct 13, 2011
    brunoboarder244, Oct 13, 2011
    #10
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