Tank lighting for naturals

[gunther]

I must say my fish present pretty well, however I have a large tank and two dual bulb fixtures the length of the top (centered). It looks nice but there are some spots that are not as well lit as others. I am considering two things...........

First I may align those two long fixtures diagonally across the top from the back corners toward the center and then add a shorter lamp of similar design across the middle to compensate and add to the overall illumination.

I guess my question comes down to my other decision......I have dual bulb fixtures with the standard and pink bulb configuration for my freshwater tanks. I noticed salt water lighting is more partial to the standard/blue bulb setup. If I use this type of lamp in the middle does anyone think I might see an improvement in fish color or just better lighting in general? Anyone with fresh water try both and compare?

 

[Demon_fish]

i noticed in my cichlid tanks the yelllower spectrum is better for color. I use a yellower bulb in my con tank and in the 90 i have a 50/50.

 

[sly2kusa]

I must say my fish present pretty well, however I have a large tank and two dual bulb fixtures the length of the top (centered). It looks nice but there are some spots that are not as well lit as others. I am considering two things...........

First I may align those two long fixtures diagonally across the top from the back corners toward the center and then add a shorter lamp of similar design across the middle to compensate and add to the overall illumination.

I guess my question comes down to my other decision......I have dual bulb fixtures with the standard and pink bulb configuration for my freshwater tanks. I noticed salt water lighting is more partial to the standard/blue bulb setup. If I use this type of lamp in the middle does anyone think I might see an improvement in fish color or just better lighting in general? Anyone with fresh water try both and compare?

I'm curious to know how that is gonna look. Have you had any troubles with Algae blooms because of the lighting setup in your tank? I have mine on a timer which is plugged into an APC 350 BackUPS. Believe me when I say that proper battery backup has already paid for itself in a very short period of time, but more to the topic - why pink and white lighting? Just curious to understand that as opposed to blue salt water lighting.

 

[lil_blue]

double strip flourescent bulbs?

 

[gunther]

yes


Pink and standard bulbs seemed to be the favored combo for freshwater where I went. They were even marketed that way from the bulb company....might be nice to mix the two for effect though. Can't lose.