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View Full Version : Light for my cube


bozack
Thu, 25th Oct 2007, 03:44 PM
Time for new bulbs and am curious about some lighting ideas.

I did the upgrade on my Oceanic 29 gallon so I have 4 36 watt PC bulbs.

Currently I have 1 10K bulb, 2 Actinics and 1 50/50 bulb.
Should I keep the way it is or go with 2 10k's and 2 actinics?

Currently have a but of everything in there from caps, birdnests, zoos, shrooms, few SPS etc.
RayAllen
Thu, 25th Oct 2007, 03:51 PM
Its all a matter of taste. Some people like it more on the white/warm side of the spectrum and some on the blue/cool side. So if you wanted to switch it up you could go with 20k's which I happen to like.
bozack
Thu, 25th Oct 2007, 03:59 PM
hadn't even thought of 20's
are those more pinkish?
RayAllen
Thu, 25th Oct 2007, 04:13 PM
No they are more blue, they are suppost to simulate deeper water or the bottoms of reefs. But you know what the more I look online for them it looks like they do not make PC in 20000k only NO, NHO and MH.
MissT
Thu, 25th Oct 2007, 05:35 PM
I'm pretty sure they don't make a 20k 36w PC bulb, but like Ray said, depending on your taste, the more blue look of your current setup might be fine. You'd probably see a little better growth if you went to 2 10k's 2 actinics. Personally, I like the look of the 2 & 2 and if I want to stare at a blue tank, I just flip the whites off...
FireWater
Thu, 25th Oct 2007, 07:34 PM
As already stated it is personal taste. I like the 50/50's myself. I would put 1- 10k, 2- 50/50, and 1 actinic. That might make it too blue for your taste though
bozack
Fri, 26th Oct 2007, 11:25 AM
yeah, no luck for the 20ks in the 36W
growth was something else to be concerned about too I guess, lol

Some good feedback for me to consider, thanks!
erikharrison
Fri, 26th Oct 2007, 11:45 AM
GrimReefer on RC gives alot of advice to color combos on that site, albeit most of what I have seen has been T5s. Maybe you should look there for a similar setup?
FireWater
Fri, 26th Oct 2007, 02:21 PM
Try a post @ nanotuners
RayAllen
Fri, 26th Oct 2007, 02:44 PM
IMO www.nano-reef.com (http://www.nano-reef.com) is the best site for nanos they even have a specific section for All in ones like Bio Cube, Red Sea, Nano Cube etc......
bozack
Fri, 26th Oct 2007, 04:19 PM
I'll check out nano reef
usually on tuners so haven't signed up with the reefers
I'll noise around there
FireWater
Fri, 26th Oct 2007, 09:26 PM
IMO www.nano-reef.com (http://www.nano-reef.com) is the best site for nanos they even have a specific section for All in ones like Bio Cube, Red Sea, Nano Cube etc......

That's the one I meant. Too many nano's to keep it all straight
bozack
Sat, 27th Oct 2007, 10:01 AM
I'll also have to check out Grimreefer's posts as the next project is to light up a new 210.
erikharrison
Sat, 27th Oct 2007, 10:45 AM
Wait you have a 29 and a 210? Are you and Ray related??? :P
JimD
Sat, 27th Oct 2007, 02:54 PM
In my opinion, you cant go wrong with either a 70W or a 150W DE halide on a tank that size, I have a 14k Phoenix over my 20 tall and I love it!
bozack
Mon, 29th Oct 2007, 11:15 AM
Wait you have a 29 and a 210? Are you and Ray related??? :P

Not unless he has a 150 also! Although I'll be selling the 150 shortly...
LoneStar
Mon, 29th Oct 2007, 12:13 PM
I agree with Jim. Seriously look into a smaller wattage metal halide. The 14k is a nice mix of white/blue color. Plus I prefer the shimmer :)

The PC bulbs are OK but they do not have the lifespan as a T-5, VHO, or Metal Halide would. In the long run you will be replacing more PC bulbs than the others...