lighting

[matt23721]

1. what are the differant types o f lighting and what are they used for?
ie. 10000k etc



2.If im wanting to grow soft corals should i need MH, or any expensive lighting?

[Pineapple House]

1. 10,000k is the Spectrum of the lighting, which is also known as the Kelven rating. It's the "Temperature" or "Color" of the colorations the bulbs puts out. For example, a 6,500k bulb will put out a much more Yellow look than the 10,000k. The 10,000k is usually a crisp white, with a slight tint of yellow. The 20,000k is a crisp white, with a slight tint of blue (If running the radiums on a Standard Electronic ballast, the coloration will become much more blue).

2. Halides would be good, but it isn't nessisary. Small Polyp Scleractinians, or 'SPS' corals will need Halides to live out their best. They may live under florecent lighting, but, they will show the most growth and coloration under halides. Same goes with many Tridacna clams. For softies, you likely won't need halide lighting on this tank. Depending on the size of the aquarium, PC's should be a good lighting. I couldn't tell you the wattage of the PC's you should use, for the fact that I know nothing about your tank, as far as the dementions and size comes. www.hellolights.com has great deals on all lighting availible, with great service, and great prices. I recommend you check the place out. I've ordered from them many times, and all times have been great.

Graham

[pete_ra]

i just bought a 10k bulb to replace my third flourescent bulb, and i dont know if this was the right one to by. People have told me that blue light is essential for soft corals, which is actinic lighting.

[RazerCorals]

Pete I'm assuming this is your setup. 3 NO bulbs. 1 which is 10k bulb. The other 2 are just regular bulbs. What I would suggest is 2 10k's and 1 actinic.