I see the light... (Almost)

[cbianco]

Hello...

I recently inquired (in another thread) about neon green clove polyps. Instead of further hi-jacking that thread I decided to move my question to this thread (Sorry Brett). As you assumed, I would like to get a frag of the clove polyps.

Here's the question(s)...

I am concerned with my lighting on my nano-cube. On Drfostersmith.com (Thanks GaryP for the link) it says that they (clove polyp) require "moderate" lighting.

What is moderate lighting (VS high or low lighting? There are many opinions on lighting, the correct amount, specific colors, etc...

Some people look at watts per gallon. Other people look at overall intensity. Further more some people look at the type of bulb (NO, PC, MH, etc...). How can I/would you judge the intensity of lighting on the cube I have? I would say it is moderate (but what do I know, lol).

The nano-cubes bulbs are rated at 2 x 36 watts of 50/50 PC. The "white" color is (supposenly) 7500k I do not know about the "blue" color. Would it make a difference if I upgraded to 1 x 36 watts of 10000k and 1 x 36 watts of "blue" (any suggestions for wavelength would be appreciated!)?

I will gladly accept and read any links posted in this thread.

Thank for any help that you can give me!

Christopher

[GaryP]

Try looking at it in terms of watts per square foot of water surface.

72 watts should be plenty for the clove polyps. They are about the same as your ricordea. Ricordea are fairly high light compared to most mushrooms.

[GaryP]

Try checking this out.

http://www.c-sea.org/members/brad/articles/light/#howbright

[cbianco]

GaryP

I can understand watts per square foot of "water surface." Wouldn't depth play a part in it also? I am not trying to be nit-picky, I just want to absorb as much as possible (I have everything to gain). I know that this subject is also very "controvesal" in the sense that everyone has their own opinions so please no board wars, lol.

(I think I could use a spell checker right about now)

Christopher

[cbianco]

Thanks for the link... I check it out right now.

Christopher

PS Your link beat my post so please excuse any "answered" questions.

[GaryP]

Yea, the deeper the tank, the more light you need. That's more of an issue with deep tanks like 30" tanks. Its not really an issue with a nano like yours. You're good to go, don't sweat it.

[cbianco]

Just for the heck of it...

The display on my tank measures: 14.0"L x 17.5"W x 15.0"H or a total of 3675" cubed.

A cube foot 12" x 12" x 12" is a total of 1728" cubed.

3675" / 1728" is equal to 2.126' cubed.

72 (watts) / 2.126' cubed is equal to 33.866 or 34 watts per square foot.

I guess that would put me in the "moderate" spectrum. Interesting I guess I answered my own question (with a bit of help of course).

Christopher

[Richard]

Here's another general rule of thumb that goes by lumens instead of watts....

1,500 to 2,500 Lumens/sq. ft for low light corals
4,000 to 5,000 for medium light corals
7,000 to 8,000 Lumens/ sq. ft. for high light corals

A general guide to figure out lumens...
50 Lumen/watt - NO Fluorescent
56 Lumen/watt – VHO Fluorescent
85 Lumen/watt – CFL Fluorescent
75 Lumen/watt – Metal Halide
85 Lumen/watt – HQI Metal Halide

[GaryP]

Good one Richard.

[alton]

Hey Gary nice article but, where can you pay $.05 a kilowatt hour for electricity? Not in San Antonio. At least not at my house. Can you say fuel adjustment charge?

[cbianco]

LOL @ alton. CPS says "show me the money!" Beats candle light though.

Christopher