PL or MH for softies?

[Chris]

Sorry if this topic has been discussed before. I have a 4X2X2 reef with mainly softies, mushies and a few clams. I have 2 FL (20K +10K), 2 PL (10K) and one Actinic 03. Corals look alright. My mushies are even spreading. Thinking of increasing lights to 6 PL(10K) or totally change to 2 x 150W MH. Need some advice which one is suitable. Anyone can help. Btw, I am not thinking of going into SPS.

[Limpc]

Do you have chiller ?

This is always my motto: No Chiller, No MH.

Just like you, I'm running on 9PLs and a FL for similar size of tank as yours and all my softies look great. I cannot comment much on clams under PLs, though.

Limpc

[anakjoh]

My book says SPS do not need MH - PL is nicely adequate.

BTW, what brand is your actinic 03? I'm having a hard time looking for lights here in KL - LFS know next to nothing about K, lumens, lux or spectrum.

[Limpc]

Hi Anakjoh,

I have CoralLife PL Actinic and Arcadia FL Actinic. These are easily available in Singapore. In some not so knowledgeable LFS in Singapore, they call it marine blue. Maybe you can try using this name in KL, too.

Limpc

[wolfie]

Limpc: where to get cheap coralife huh?

[Tanzy]

My book says SPS do not need MH - PL is nicely adequate.

BTW, what brand is your actinic 03? I'm having a hard time looking for lights here in KL - LFS know next to nothing about K, lumens, lux or spectrum.

If you use a lot a lot a lot of PL or VHO FL and you like your SPS brown.

[newdamsel]

Hmm.. may i ask soemthing seemingly stupid? If i have this coral which is already very near to one PL light, would adding other PLs help?

My main doubt is by adding other PL, we are illuminating other spots and if only we are able to direct the light onto the coral then it'll be effective right?

[Tanzy]

That's why people use MH, because they are an intense spots of light designed to punch light into the tank whereas FL are diffused rays.

[Limpc]

Hi Wolfie,

Coralife PL Actinic not cheap man. Saw in Aquamart for $55/-.

Whereas, arcadia FL, 30", $24/-. 36" only $30/-. That's why I have incorporate a Actinic FL in my DIY light.

Limpc

[TTBoy]

I have used arcadia actinic before and now using coralife actinic 03. The arcadia actinic is called marine blue, dont know if it is true actinic.

IMO, i think the coralife ones are much better.

[Limpc]

Hi,

Is your coralife PL or FL ? How much ?

Limpc

[anakjoh]

I think books are not always true due to different situations/parameters. Experience is best. So nothing beats exchaging info. n learning from veterans.

BTW, does the Coralife FL actually says "Actinic 03" on its packaging?

[Limpc]

Coralife PL actually does printed on the it.

Limpc

[wedgee]

Hmmm couldnt resist chipping in regarding Actinic FL; go for the Phillips 20W true actinics instead? It costs just less than $20, has a larger tube diameter, and is more purplish instead of blue (which is wat i've read for TRUE ACTINICS). After changing to this tube, i noticed my corals glowing brighter, and the light can travel deeper into the tank, even under the LR sometimes...

[mv3i]

where you got your phillips actinics fm ? how much exacly for the tube ?

[wedgee]

Sinter at Sim Lim, the light shop...I think it was $18, but might be wrong (anyways it is definitely cheaper than the rest!!!) Ask for 'Coral Blue' It's written on the tube i think. Hope this helps?