lighting

[Jaws]

I'll be running 2 250W 10000K bulbs on each end and 1 250W 13000K bulb in the center of my tank. Do I still need actinic lighting and if so, what bulbs would you recommend? Please be specific.


I also need the right lighting for my 135G fish only tank. What bulbs would you recommend for that? Please be specific.

I just figured I'd ask since J&L are having a sale this month on bulbs.

[Aquattro]

Do you need actinics? No. Will they give you more blue? Yup. I use actinics for a dawn/dusk effect, plus it adds a bit of blue to the tank. Personal taste will dictate what you need/want/buy.

For the FO tank, you need lights that let teh fish see and let you see the fish. Beyond that, again, personal taste. It doesn't get more specific than that.

[Jaws]

Can you at least give me an idea of what is more popular? I don't have anything to compare to. And remember, be specific. LOL.

[Aquattro]

Unfortunately, no. The problem is I can't tell you what you'll like for lighting. I love Radiums on my tank, and some people have come by and hated them. Go figure.
If it were up to me, I would say run actinics. I like the look. If you want what Brad likes, there is your answer. I use the Philips NO bulbs on WH7 ballast. I may change to Uri VHO tubes this month because they're on sale and I'm bored with the Philips. No other good reason.
For the FO tank, I would recommend Uri VHO aquasun, maybe couple with the actinic white. But that's me :razz:

[Jaws]

What wattage would you use for the fish only lighting? Any chance you can refer me to which bulbs on J&L's website?

[Aquattro]

What wattage would you use for the fish only lighting? Any chance you can refer me to which bulbs on J&L's website?

I would use the VHO (wattage depends on size in length). The light bulbs are all in the light bulb section. I already gave you the names of the bulbs, so go pick the length and that will tell you the wattage. Easy.

[Jaws]

Not to be a pest (too late), but how many bulbs would I need if I were to go with the 72" 165W Aquasun VHO bulb?

Obviously I'd need 2 of the 36" 95W actinic white bulb. Do I need four or is two good?

[Aquattro]

but how many bulbs would I need if I were to go with the 72" 165W Aquasun VHO bulb?



Again, if it were me, I'd use 4. @ may be fine for you, but really, as long as the fish can see and you can see the fish, the rest is personal preference.