[cp5041]

im setting up a 120 gal tank and i want to piece together the lighting. because i can buy it individually and i can have it just the way i want. im looking at marinedepot.com and i have a question on the ballasts. some of them say single and dual ballasts, do the ones that say dual mean that i can run two bulbs off each?

 

[caferacermike]

Yes exactly that. HelloLights.com is cheaper than marine depot. It's all in the reflectors. Lumenarc's are bit more expensive but if you are planning a new set up RUN THEM!!. Trust me it's worth it. Also buy electronic ballasts and you'll save money on your electric bill.

What size are you planning on running? I run 2x 250w dual end bulbs on my 75g and think it's just perfect. Stay away from 175w SE as most are being phased out.

 

[cp5041]

i was planning on running 2 250w and then add either t-5's or pc's

 

[caferacermike]

I've been overly impressed with my Icecap 250w ballasts and Pheonix 14K DE bulbs with 2x 96w supplemental lighting. Sunlight Supply and Aro also make good electronic ballasts as well as old fashioned mag ballasts.

 

[cp5041]

i think im gonna go with the 2x250 and 4x65w pc's

 

[ldampman]

How much light for saltwater

I keep reading so much on TFK about freshwater, but not so much on saltwater. Are they compatible answers for both types. I recently added a saltwater and have questions I can't find answers for. I recently found out that I have too much light that is producing a red/brown algae/bacteria growth. I read some where to shut the lights off totally for about 3 days. I am into the first day and the growth is substantially gone. My question would be how much light and which type/color light should I be using. I have a 40 gal saltwater tank with LED lights. FOWLR Any forum on light types, wattage, use, timing??

 

[onefish2fish]

I keep reading so much on TFK about freshwater, but not so much on saltwater. Are they compatible answers for both types. I recently added a saltwater and have questions I can't find answers for. I recently found out that I have too much light that is producing a red/brown algae/bacteria growth. I read some where to shut the lights off totally for about 3 days. I am into the first day and the growth is substantially gone. My question would be how much light and which type/color light should I be using. I have a 40 gal saltwater tank with LED lights. FOWLR Any forum on light types, wattage, use, timing??

This topic deserves its own thread, but to answer your question;

Your issue can very well be related to your LED lights. Are they dimmable or is there an option to turn them down to a lower setting? Since this is only a FOWLR I would continue with lights out.

Now lets look deeper into what may actually be the issue here. Lets start with, how old is this tank? Did you start with dry rock or established cured rock? What does the filtration on the tank look like? Can you post your tanks water parameters? Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate..etc and any test you have available to you? Are you using RO/DI water to mix your saltwater?

High nitrates, phosphates, silicates, all can contribute to algae growth. Not using RO/DI water with a TDS (total dissolved solids) of 0, overfeeding, or fresh sand/rock is my guess of the source.

 

[badxgillen]

Yes I totally agree. Although sometimes lighting schedules, indirect light, or spectrum shifts can contribute to some unwanted algae growth it is usually an underlying chemistry problem that is the true culprit. For now keep the lights dim and get that water checked out with a full battery of tests.