additional lights

[Darth-Tater]

I have two 250w 14k MH on my 100 g tank. I thought that I might add some VHO. Everyplace that I have talked with tells a different story as to which lights to add.(image that) :lol So I thought that I would ask here. Some say 4 50/50 bulbs other say 3:1 super atinic. How about it everyone. How about some suggestions also should where should I buy them. oh yes, some corals, some fish just a hodgepodge of what ever my wife thinks is pretty and the book says is ok to keep together.

Thanks
DT

[carlinsa]

well i will tell you what i am going to run. i am going to run 2 250 with 10k and 4 60'' vho actinics

[GaryP]

The super actinics produce light at the 420 nm wavelenght. 420 nm is thought to be important in the production of colorful pigments in coral.

The 50/50 bulbs are useful as general purpose bulbs for FO tanks but I wouldn't recommend them for a reef tank. Remember the purpose of the VHO in a reef tank is to supplement the color you are already getting from the MHs.

[schoeplein]

I'd suggest 3 or 4 bulbs (I have four), 2 being actinic, 1 being an 18k (pink) bulb. It'll add significantly to the color of your tank (and helps accent or offset the blue-hue that your halides are currently giving it). The bulbs I have are 48" (4x110w, 2actinic, 2x18k) and staggered in the canopy. Gives great accenting color to the halide lighting. You could go all actinic, but you wont really notice a difference between 2 and 4 actinic bulbs (other than minor increases in growth of coraline) - but you will enjoy the saturation of 18k's in addition to the previous.