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Power compact lamp selection help


treefisher

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I need some help deciding which lamp I should use over my tank.

 

I have a 32w PC fixture. The only options I see online are 10k/10k, 10k/420nm, and maybe 10k/460nm. I realize that I won't be able to grow much (zoas or polyps maybe?), but I'd like as many options as possible. I'd assume that the dual 10k would have a greater par value, but the actinics would look nicer, I think.

 

What would you recommend?

 

 

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You are right, pc lighting is limiting. Low light corals to non photosynthetic. Also depends on tank size.

 

There aren't many options available anymore online. I'd go with 50/50.

Atnitic is good as well.

 

The other downside is the cost of bulb replacing every 6-8 mnths. That gets costly. It may actually be a better option to purchase an affordable LED fixture like

 

Aquamaxx nemolight of current orbit.

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You don't mention the tank size this will be over but depending on the tank size power compacts are a perfectly viable light source for a wide variety of corals up to and including sps.

 

That said a upgrade to a T5 or LED fixture would be good as well just for the expanded options available.

 

If you're set on using the power compact fixture I'd go with the 10000k/460nm or the 10000K/420nm.

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It's over a 20g hex tank, so I don't expect to get much out of it.

 

I've been in the freshwater side of the hobby for a long time. I'm currently at 15 planted tanks; all using LEDs or T5HOs. It's been a very long time since I've delved into saltwater. I figure it's about time I took the plunge. Since I'm basically new to this area, I thought I'd start out with a tiny fish or two, and move on to more advanced corals in a bigger, better tank after I get the feel for it.

 

I made this fixture about 10 years ago. I took down the tank it was over, and thought I'd try to repurpose it for saltwater. I'll invest in a better LED system when I have a better tank to use.

 

Some of my rockwork will be fairly close to the light. It would be nice if I could grow something/anything, but I won't be too disappointed If I can't. I do have a PAR meter that might help determine what I can grow, but don't have a lamp yet to test this fixture.

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Fun tank size. The height definitely present a challenge for that fixture but softies and some LPS corals should be viable.

 

Either of the 50/50 lamps would still be my choice just for visual appeal.

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I think it's a fun tank size too. Hex tanks are challenging to aquascape in general. That's part of the appeal for me. I had it looking great as a planted tank, and kind of regret taking it down. This one needed to be resealed, though, and one of my tanks had to go in favor of a salty tank. Hopefully I'll be happy with the results in a few+ months.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Lamp ordered.

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  • 2 weeks later...

It's over a 20g hex tank, so I don't expect to get much out of it.

 

I've been in the freshwater side of the hobby for a long time. I'm currently at 15 planted tanks; all using LEDs or T5HOs. It's been a very long time since I've delved into saltwater. I figure it's about time I took the plunge. Since I'm basically new to this area, I thought I'd start out with a tiny fish or two, and move on to more advanced corals in a bigger, better tank after I get the feel for it.

 

I made this fixture about 10 years ago. I took down the tank it was over, and thought I'd try to repurpose it for saltwater. I'll invest in a better LED system when I have a better tank to use.

 

Some of my rockwork will be fairly close to the light. It would be nice if I could grow something/anything, but I won't be too disappointed If I can't. I do have a PAR meter that might help determine what I can grow, but don't have a lamp yet to test this fixture.

Wow 15 tanks!

 

I can see your point on the hex tank - they can be pretty unique. You just have to get around the limitations of lighting and flow. Good luck!

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