Differences in lighting?

Can someone explain the difference in all the lighting options there are out there, in one post? What kind of light for what's in your tank?? There's so many out there..pc, mh, t-5,(I've seen t-6, t-11, t-12) sv(a no no I know), actinic...what does it all mean????????

 

even though I'm not too new at all, I'm still confused on all the different types and there are alot of newb's who might like to know the difference

Thank YOU!!!!!!!!!

Also can T5 bulbs be put into this? Lithonia Lighting Diamond Plate Utility Light - 1241DP at The Home Depot

 

There have been books about lighting and to try and explain all the different types and the pros and cons of ea in a single post would be impossible I think.. Depending on what you want to try and maintain under the light is what dictates the type I think. My self I'd not give you 50 cents for all the T 5's made Junk is what i think they are , Will go the route of the P/C's in a few yrs. My choice would be T-12 and VHO and M/H's or a mix of them both is what I prefer to use .. I have T-5's and P.C's but use them on refugiums and such. Also have a solarus LED set up and working with to see what they can do.. So far still not a 100% sold and would rely on them totally.

 

the basics, just the basics or it can be a how to post... like an expert's(we DO have a few here) opinion. Who here is good with lighting. I'm sure someone can input here. It would be nice to find one thing that other newb's can go to also!

 

Well, I agree with Tangster. What you are asking is very difficult and would be bias based on someones opinion
For example:
I use 3X400W MH with 8X T5 for actinics. So I've researched the heck out of what ballast to use what reflector and what bulbs. But others may just buy a full hood with everything built as one unit.
I actually would have perfered VHO Actinics but wanted to try something new. I wont be caught doing that again. Not that I'm having any problems with the T5s I just like the VHOs better.
I also have T5s over my frag tank. There is a great deal of colour loss for frags from my main tank and both share the same water.
Now I know a lot of German tanks running T5 without any problems and archiving great colour.
In terms of PC or NO lights my personal opinion is to not bother if your going to do a reef tank. Odds are you will be wanting to upgrade to MH soon after spending the money on the PCs. Or you will have bought something that requires more light and you end up killing it for no good reason.

Again this is just my opinion and others will tell you they can keep Crocea Clams with PC and that the clam has been healthy for 6 months.


Jason

 

Nevermind I found this web site that pretty much explains it all..Thanks

Aquarium Lighting

 

Thanks for posting the link! Lighting is a very diversified subject. Im now using t5, and im not 100 percent sure i would pick them over vho, and definitely wont pick over mh and vho combo. Specially now that i have to change all 15 bulbs at an average of 18 buck a bulb, thats gonna hurt!

 

Yeah, no problem. I just figured there are so many of us out there, with limited knowledge of lighting, that one article would be a great help. That one does explain a lot!;D

 

http://www.3reef.com/aquarium-page-Content-viewarticle-42.html

Some more information located on 3Reef.

 

http://www.3reef.com/aquarium-page-C...rticle-42.html

Some more information located on 3Reef.





That's what I'm talking about! I did not find that when I looked! Thanks!!