Lighting *POP* Needed

[outdrsyguy1]

I'm looking for suggestions on lighting to make my corals pop like they do under LED lighting. I have 2 - 250W 20k MH's and 2 - 95W PC's (coralife lighting kit) over my 110. I was hoping there might be something I could do, add a few LED's or a strip that's not too expensive. I don't need more lighting, just want them to look like they do under LED's. Zoa's and stuff get rediculously cool under the right lighting and I get tired of seeing things not be as "colorful" when they get to my house.

 

[spiderman097]

You could put them under led lighting.

Edit: But in all seriousness, maybe does something like zeovit?

 

[enderg60]

Only way is to just add some LED actinics.

Im replacing my T5 actinics with LEDs just to get that pop as well, and I have 3 400w radiums too.

 

[outdrsyguy1]

do you have a product in mind EnderG60? I looked around a little but couldn't find much. I was thinking I might could swap one of my PC's for a couple LED strips with 120 degree optics.

 

[enderg60]

I was going to get the 24 LED dimmable kit from aquastyle online and get some Al C channel for a heat sink. Gata do some measurements to see what optics to get, but should be able to get two rows of 12 installed for under $100.

 

[snowmansnow]

you'll need many blue LEDs to be seen under MH

Edit: you say you're running 20k MH.. which brand?

B

 

[enderg60]

I actually just made a small LED kit for my sisters tank and was playing with it, and you can see the "pop" just fine under the halides.

But I want it more for night time viewing with just the actinics on.

And im running radium 20k's and Love them

 

[snowmansnow]

To add to my last post... what brand of MH and is it single or double ended?

B

 

[outdrsyguy1]

I run 2 250w 20k geisemann megachromes. Also run two 95w actinic pc's.
Double ended.
I wanted to try radium but they dont make a 250w double ended.

 

[snowmansnow]

there is a big hole where nice 20k double ends should be in the market...

about the best color rendition I found when I was running 250k MH was the pheonix 14K. NOT BLUE BLUE.. but very pleasing in my opinion.

 

[outdrsyguy1]

I really need to figure out a way to shop for new bulbs by visiting member tanks. It's tough to drop a couple hundred in bulbs and not know what it's gonna look like.

My color is a cool blue but I definitely have slower growth than I did with my 15k Hamilton bulbs. They were old though and caused me to lose color in some sps. I'll probably try the Phoenix or radium in the 14 to 17k range.

My zoas still don't have the awesome florescent colors like they do under LEDs.

 

[snowmansnow]

it isn't the same as seeing it in person but do a google image search on the lamps you're considering.