Lighting
 

Hi, just in the process to start up a 10g nano (newbie). Will be building up a canopy soon. I have the choice to either go with 4x23w 6,500k daylight bulbs with a pc actinic or go with CSL 96w 10,000K. The first choice is a cheaper way to go, hence my interest, but in the future I would also like trying to keep some sps colonies. Would these grow under the 6,500k or do I have to use 10,000k? I will also set up a refugium, 5.5 gal. Thank you for your reply.

I think both fixtures use 4 bulbs so since you can mix your bulbs, go for something like 1 Actinic, 2 10,000K, 1 6,500K.

Thanks Samw. Actually it isn't like that. The CSL unit come with 4 pc bulbs 96w in (50/50) at King's Ed at a cost of 159.00. The daylight bulbs come from Albright in PoCo, each bulb is 23w 6,500k daylight. I tought to use 4 bulbs (23w at 6,500k) since they are only 12.95 each and add an actinic pc bulb in my hood. Would have close to 96w anyway but not at 10,000k that CSL offers. Would there be much difference in growing sps with the 6,500k instead the 10,000k?

From my findings SPS will grow perfectly well using 6500K . Using blue light would be for looks only. I myself don't go for the SPS craze. I have zoos, polyps , mushrooms and softies in my 10G nano, and use only 26W of PC lighting. :rolleyes:

thank Rcipema. Will go with 6,500k and take it from there.