Lighting?

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Brooklynella

Candiru
MFK Member
Dec 13, 2006
587
0
46
LI, NY
Based on the pics in the photo lounge, I notice some of you have really cool lighting on your tanks. I have a double 48" strip on my 72 bowfront and am interested in getting some nice lighting on my tank, particularly because I have black gravel and a black background. Right now, the tank is just "Bright" but lacking detail.
What bulbs do you recommend?
Thanks.
 
Personally I use HO T5 now on all my tanks. Nothing can beat lighting up a 150 with only 36W of light.
 
Phillips full spectrum natural daylight t-5 32 watt tube is the best u can get 1 at home depot 8.99$. When u get there do not be fooled into getting the phillips aquarium and plant tube it sucks and u will be sad.
 
I'm thinking this person want colors to stand out. Bright doesn't make colors stand out. I have 200w on a 65 using PC @ 6700k and 10000k (daylight) but it looks completely different with even a 25% colormax or actinic. What intensity, size, or type of bulbs makes little difference in color. The temperature makes all the difference. A black background and black gravel with colormax will seriously help to make the fish stand out so long as there is color to begin with.

Have you thought of blacklight? I had a tank about ten years ago that I originaly set up for scorpions under blacklight (ever see that? COOL!). I then converted it to a fish tank and spent a month in pet shops with a portable blacklight looking for decore that would flourese under blacklight. I mixed a small amount of white flouresent gravel with black, and then found black plants with white tips. Add that to my black-and-white silver flecked diamond background and it was just awesome! I could never find fish that flouresed very well though... The blacklight will have to be strong and it isn't good for the fish so it's only for short demenstrations, but the look on people's faces is priceless!
 
Thank you all.
I think what i'm looking for is the effect that everything the light hits seems lit; kinda like a spotlight effect without actually using a spotlight. Ever see those tanks that appear to be throwing light off from the bottom? Like the fish, rocks, etc are actually giving off light themselves?
Perhaps i'll try the Colormax. Who makes it and where can I buy?
 
It's a Coralife product and they make it in every type of bulb. From spiral pc, to t5 t8 t12. Not hqi though I don't think. Any store you deal localy with should be able to get it for you in the type and size you need.

BTW, with black gravel, you will never have that bright "spotlight" look. It sounds like you may need to replace your gravel and possibly lighting. T5 and Power Compact are your best options. Some eBay stores will even switch the bulbs for you at no cost if you purchase one of their lights. Tell them you want a 50/50 colormax/daylight bulb(s). For best results try to get at least 1w per gallon, preferably 1.5. Since your running 48" over 72, a 130w compact flouresent would work perfect. Also see if you can get a model with moonlight option. That is truely cool! These are on ebay, with moonlight, all day long for $100-125. Understand that by increasing your lighting like this, you invite algae, so make sure to stay on top of it. But another cool side-effect? You have enough light to grow most plants. There is no aquarium like a planted aquarium!!! Fish do better, aquarium looks more natural, clean less often, and natural oxygen for your fish. What more could you ask for?
 
Colormax
IMG_0885.jpg


Halogen
Soakingofdriftwood.jpg


Daylight (6700k & 10,00k)
11-06-072.jpg
 
ok, I don't mean to triple post here, but do you see the difference between pic 1 and pic 3? Pic 1 is at 2.3wpg (watts per gallon) and pic three is 3wpg. So what gives? Light temperature! Colors flourese under colormax.

BTW, that's the same camera at the same location using the same rock. Look close.
 
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