Lights? Problem?

[Ichthy]

[Sorry i kept forgetting the names of the 2 bulbs!]

I have noticed alot of pictures on here and it looks like [in some pictures] that the blue bulb is the only one on. I'm wondering if i got the wrong fixture maybe? When i turn the switch off, both white and blue bulbs turned off. From the pictures i have seen, it looks like the blue will be on while the white bulb wont.

[hobogato]

some fixtures allow seperate control of the bulbs and some dont. if your fixture only has one plug and one power switch, then you cant turn on individual bulbs at different times. not really a big deal, one of my tanks has that kind of lighting and the other has separate on/off times for the actinics and daylights. it really doesnt seem to make a difference to the fish or corals.

[txg8gxp]

Just to add...If you are not useing at least a 4 bulb fixture, most will not have seperate actinic/daylight controls. If you don't have tons of bulbs w/high lighting I will agree with ace, I don't think the seperate light timers is that big of a deal. I'm running 6 t5 bulbs and wouldn't want to turn them all on at once, I might blind the pour fish. Just my opinion, Stephen

[hobogato]

good point stephen. the tank i have that does not have separate control only has two bulbs, but the one that does is the big tank - 2 actinics, 2 daylight, and the sun :)

[Ichthy]

Oh ok, so i shouldn worry then?
cuase mine is a 2 bulb fixture [1 blue & 1 white] it's just i see pictures of corals and fish under the blue one and they really glow and mine dont so i was worried that i got the wrong fixture and jealous that mine dont glow.

[Kristy]

The other benefit of having separate controls over the sets of bulbs is that you can extend your light cycle a bit. Most people run actinic (blue) only for an hour or two when their lights come on, then all bulbs together for X number of hours, say 6 or 8, and then actinics only again for an hour or two at the end. Makes for a longer light cycle, which is nice for enjoying your tank lit up.

Like Ace and Stephen said, it's totally not necessary, but just explaining why some like to do it that way.

[hobogato]

...and jealous that mine dont glow.

you could add some LED moonlights that come on before your other lights and stay on after - they really make the corals fluoresce.

[txg8gxp]

Oh ok, so i shouldn worry then?
cuase mine is a 2 bulb fixture [1 blue & 1 white] it's just i see pictures of corals and fish under the blue one and they really glow and mine dont so i was worried that i got the wrong fixture and jealous that mine dont glow.

If you want the glow, you could also think about adding a led style moonlight. This would cover the 420-460nm range which will make to coral really pop. I have been eye balling the ice cap moonlight bars. Just an idea.

[txg8gxp]

Man ace beat me..

[Ichthy]

Thanks, i'll have to try both.
My money right now is going towards some corals.
But i'll write both your ideas down :)

[hobogato]

do you have a link to that? thinking of adding something to zach's tank as well.


I have been eye balling the ice cap moonlight bars. Just an idea.

[txg8gxp]

I think they make 2-4' tubes. These are suppost to be smaller diameter then a t5.
http://www.aquacave.com/icecap-216--blue-led-br-moonlight-retro-kit-2754.html

[hobogato]

that is EXACTLY what i have been looking for, thanks!

[txg8gxp]

Here is a link to a review. http://glassbox-design.com/2010/icecap-t5-led-retro-moon-light/