Kinda Frustrated/Ranting

Ok, so am I the only one that thinks that there needs to be a new system for determining lighting requirements. I mean what lights classify as low, moderate, and heavy lighting. With all the advancements in fixtures and bulbs these days, isn't this rating system kind of out dated or is this just me? I know the progression generally follows in increasing order as such, PC, T-5, and the MH, but where do all of these fall on the high, med, and low scale.

Well that's my little rant for the day. So if you have any input on this issue or just want to rant about something else similar on this thread then have at it.

*side note, post #200, yay!

 

What rating system are you talking about, exactly? The WPG rule? Or what?

 

My tank is roughly 16" deep. The rating system I'm talking about is when you go to some supplier like Liveaquaria and you look under lighting requirements you see something like "moderate". So I guess basically what I'm saying is, is there some system for determining what is considered low, med, or high lighting depending on your tank volume, size, and lighting type.

 

it's a combination of the light you have and the depth you place the coral in the tank.


if you have T5 (moderate) putting a coral at the very top is "high" and putting it at the very bottom is "low" on a 20"ish deep tank.

if you have MH (high) putting a coral at the very top is "very high" and putting it in the middle is probably still "high" and at the bottom is "moderate" and putting it in shade would be "low".



I think maybe that's a piece you're missing? The combination of depth and light type. It's not simply referring to one or the other...

 

unfortunately lighting isn't as simple as it seems.

heres a link you might fine useful: Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Lateral Lines: Classification and Terminology For Reef Aquarium Lighting

 

I have a 2x36W PC fixture with one 10,000K and one Actinic.

Yeah, this is like something I was looking for.

 

Amen brother. When I got into this hobby all I could find is that stupid watts per gallon rule. What a crock. I set up a 30 gallon hex with about 120 watts of PC lighting over it thinking that would be great for coral or anemones. WRONG!!!

Unfortunately like everyone else said it depends on too many conditions to really have any set rules. I'm of the school that too much is better. I am yet to find a coral, haven't tried and xenya, that doesn't enjoy being right under my 250 MH.

Seems the best way to find the proper lighting is to ask those with the experience. I wish I had known about this forum when I started my tank.

 

all that being said... it still varies...

even knowing what I know, I still have to experiment with frag placement to find the best spot...

the "rule" is only a guideline to give you an idea of where to start in placement...

when I was new, I made the mistake of buying a bunch of coral online and pre picking all their locations based on things like light and flow needs only to find out most of them weren't happy in those spots.

got to be flexible and not think you have "the" spot picked out...

trial and error man, trial and error.