Lighting Ideas Needed

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
T

The Mule

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Mar 30, 2005
286
38
61
NYC
I've always used Power Glo fluorescent bulbs on all my tanks, and in general, I like the way they look quite a bit. But I'm thinking of trying something different / more dramatic on my 270g show tank.

So I've been considering ditching the fluorescents altogether and looking at other options. I don't want anything too glaringly bright. But something that will create a warm, shimmery and dramatic look in the tank. I have liked the way metal halides look on reef tanks, but I know they run VERY hot and are also quite pricey.

Power compacts seems like an interesting option. I've been looking into fixtures like these:

http://www.thatpetplace.com/Product...ures/T1/F52+0434+0053/EDP/44118/Itemdy00.aspx
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Product...ures/T1/F52+0434+0005/EDP/42626/Itemdy00.aspx
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Product...ures/T1/F52+0047+0854/EDP/36792/Itemdy00.aspx

Does anyone here have any ideas, suggestions or specific recommendations?
Thanks in advance. :)
 
if u get one of those be shure that u tone ur heater down cause they will heat the water and make shure u clean then every so often cause if those fans get cloged bad things happen
 
Right - thank you. :) I'm looking for input on the way they look, etc. Many of these seem to be designed for use on marine tanks. Anyone out there use one of these on a fw tank?
 
Be careful when adding that much intense light, especially if your tank has no plant growth. You can get some pretty bad algae blooms, especially with the spectrum of light that some of the saltwater bulbs put off.
 
Thanks, Chris. I will check that out. What combo of bulbs do you use in there?
 
:) i have the older Jebo model ... i'm still using the same bulbs that it came with. not sure of exact wattage but IMO it seems to be brighter than the powerglos. runs alittle hot but the new model has fans.
 
Cool. So it comes with two daylight & two actinic bulbs I think. You're running all four? Do you notice a bluish tint to the tank from the actinics? Do you ever use the moonlight LED? Is it possible to set the moonlight & daylight on seperate timers (are there seperate power cords)?
 
:) yes, it comes with all four but when i purchased mine several years ago, the seller offered me the option of 4 daylights or a combo of both daylight and actinics. unfortunately, the moon LEDs weren't available at the time. separate switches for each pair but only ONE power cord. i don't usually turn on all four unless i'm doing tank maintenance or taking pics. i ordered mine without the actinics but i'm sure the bulbs are available online and can be swapped out to suit your lighting requirements. i hope that helps KP but i would email the seller for any detailed questions. cheers :headbang2
 
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