Lighting for zoas

[troythegreat]

Question, can zoo's survive with 6500k light??...

 

[Lotus]

I moved this question into its own thread.

I believe they can live under that kind of lighting, but it wouldn't be ideal. Something closer to 10,000K would be better.

 

[troythegreat]

cool,.. i have 6 26W 6500k spirals over the tank,..ive ordered a bunch of 50/50 bulbs. im hoping that they will be fine until it arrives. Also i got some other polyps..., they are not zoas but im not sure what they are...will post some pics later..thanks

 

[quaddity]

6,500k is what is hitting shallow reefs in the ocean technically. I'd think they should be fine under 6 of those while you're getting better bulbs.

 

[troythegreat]

so technically if i want to set up a shallow reef acquarium i can do it with the 6500k, 26W...also i saw some powerfull 40W 6500K, i didnt buy them because i didnt want to burn the coral. what coral do you think is best for the set up i have now.??? im asking because i dont live in north america so i have to order in everything.....
i have a 65G...with sump and ATS (26W soft white),...18" high....with LR, no fish as yet. just some zoas and some hermit crabs.

 

[Lorna]

40w 6500k lights are not going to be burning any corals especially in a 65g.....personally I prefer the whiter light from the higher spectrum lights. You will need higher lighting to support most corals. Depending on what lighting you end up with will depend on what corals you can keep

 

[troythegreat]

when you say higher lighting, youre referring to a higher spectrum like 10K or actinics or do you mean the same spectrum i currently have but more wattage.?

 

[troythegreat]

oh and when i said 40W, i meant one of those big 350W equivalent screwon's...i was going to have 6 of those in a row, but i found it a little bright, thats why i thought it was giong to burn the coral....

 

[TRe]

honestly i dont see the zoos surviving long term in a tank that size with those lights (maybe in a 10-20g) 50/50 bulbs are just the color and unless u have pc's or something its more just for looks! where exactly do u live? how much is your budget? im sure we can help u find a better choice to keep these corals long term

 

[troythegreat]

I live in Trinidad. so cooling is a big problem, i just spent a bunch of money on a chiller system. plus the entire tank is insulated and still its a problem. Therefore i prefer on getting something besides halides. im not willing to spend more than 100$,...

 

[Lotus]

T5 HO (high output) would be your best bet if heat is a factor. You could go for a 4x55 watt power compact fixture. I don't think either will be less than $100, though.

 

[TRe]

hmm $100 isnt guna get u much... if u want corals your best bet is guna be to save up at least twice that

 

[troythegreat]

thanks for the adv TRe....im currently looking at a TEK lighting (T5 HO)...has anyone had any experience with this product by sunlight systems.

 

[troythegreat]

well guys....i've decided on a current USA dual satellite 48" 4x65 watt PC strip, it's on big Al's online for 220$US....ive decided that if i want to grow coral, i cant go cheap......let me know if you think this is a good deal or not, or if there are any better alternatives for a similar price...thnx

 

[Joe Fish]

That spectrum will actually give quicker growth, but will look more yellow. A bulb in the 6700k range is supposed to be the best for growth. However, only 26w is a different story.... I'm not sure how long they would be able to survive.

 

[troythegreat]

im totally confused, though i had the wrong spectrum.....thanks for the input though