FO Lighting
 

4 weeks in to my first fish only setup( i have always had reef tanks) just wondering what can-reefer's are using for lighting their fish only tanks.

i am running the bulbs that i had with the tank (reg freshwater florescent) so i am getting a lot of algae growth of course lol

wondering if i should just change the bulb to a saltwater, or upgrade the whole thing?

The higher the kelvin of the bulb the better.

Anything 10 000k and lower will grow a lot of algae

i am thinking this is mostly 6,500 k. it gives a real yellow color time to change lol

what do you think about just adding a 50/50 bulb ?

nothing wrong with a 50 50 bulb,
The hagen glo-mats the 40 W series are a cheap lighting ballast and end connectors for a FO set up.
if you g o to Home depot and pick up the 6500 K bulbs with the Actinic Normal flouresants then your lighting is done.

2 x glomats
2 6500 K bulbs and
2x Actinic bulbs


DONE

Marineland doublebright LED fixture, with a 2 bulb T5 HO to fill in the dark spots.
I aim one of the powerheads at the surface and it gives the tank a great shimmer effect.

yes 50/50 PC or T5 or just pure actinic if you like the look. As for algae, check phosphate levels and control them.

im using the marineland reefbrite led and im loving it. no heat no bulb changes :)