I am looking to set up a 30 gallon tank. I currently own a 36" fixture that supports 2-96 watt pc bulbs. I will need to replace the bulbs. My question is what bulbs should I replace the old ones with? 1-10000k and one 420 actinic? 1-50/50 and 1-420 actinic? I like the blue look a lot of people have on there tanks but I also want what is going to be most functional for growing corals. Any suggestions are appreciated.
I’d say do one 420 actinic, and the other bulb… 10k or 50/50… should put out roughly the same spectrum. the 10k would prob wash out most blue and give you a white looking tank… I like more blue, so i’d go with a 50/50 and an actinic.
:TWOCENTS
Is your pc a square or straight plug? If you have a square plug they have a 50/50 420nm/453nm pc bulb that would serve both actinics, if you hae straight plug like I do then I have not found the 50/50 duel actinic.
The second bulb I would go with a normal 50/50
I would do the 50/50 and an actinic, I have seen better growth with the 50/50 over a 10K bulb and I also like it when the tank looks more blue
Wow check the pricing on a T5 fixture versus the pricing on bulbs. Do yourself, your electric bill and the environment a favor and replace the old lighting system.
With your pc lighting you are likely to spend $30-$40 per bulb if you buy new ones.
A T5 fixture may cost you $100, but…
If you run the PC bulbs at 10 hours a day at a rate of 0.139 per KWHR you’re paying $.25 a day to run the fixture.
If you run the T5 bulbs at 10 hours a day at a rate of 0.139 per KWHR you’re paying $.11 a day to run the fixture.
Over the course of a year you save $52 on your electric bill. Look into LEDs and you’ll do even better on your electric bill and the bulbs could last 6-7 year!
None fact, personal opinion bit: In my experience the corals grow better, color up better, less algae grows, and less heat is generated over the tank.
Sorry not really answering your question and making it a bit more complicated, but honestly I would just hit up your LFS and pick up a new fixture.
HJack Not to steal the thread but I am trying to decide on lighting for my new 75 once I move. So T5 is defiantly the best way to go (vs MH) and you don’t compromise coral growth? How about the leds? I hear they are very expensive but are they worth the price as far as coral color and growth? I dont plan on keeping any hard corals.
If you’re not planning on keeping hard corals then the T5 well do justice for you. The reason for MH is for the high par and high intensity for those hard corals. As for the LEDs people are trying to find ways the save on electric bills and with more and more lighting technology, they are making that happen. However, it is still in an infant stage, but everyday they are making it more affordable for everyone.