Different lights

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Kuilsriver - Western Cape
Hey guys, been pondering some alternative lighting.

I currently have 4 t5's, 2 white and 2 blue actinics.
The 2 whites will be replaced by 3 halides (2 venture and 1 blv for now). These whites will go to the sump for the chaeto, or I can leave the fittings and ballasts in there for 2 more blues... haven't decided yet.

Here's the kicker tho, I have a black light, one of those used in clubs, which makes white and neon clothing stand out. I used it in my old fw setup, and the plant growth was quite extraordinary. Can this light also be used in a marine setup? Would there be any advantages or disadvantages?
Could it maybe be used as a moonlight? Or maybe it's only suited for the chaeto growth in the sump?

What would you guys say, should I make some space for it?
 
the plant growth was quite extraordinary
I wonder if it might fuel nuisance algae growth as those are the only sort of 'plants' we have in marine systems, not too sure??? Any idea what sort of spectrum the light is?
 
Whoa, don't know the spectrum hey. Light isn't with me now, will check it out some time and see.

BTW, another thing, how high above the bracing should I mount the middle halide for it not to affect the glass, ie not crack it. the halide is a 150w 14000k blv
 
Reaper the general rule of thumb seems to be that your halide should be between 15cm and 20cm above the water. Not sure if this will help as it doesn't really answer your question. But 150W MH are not so butch as the 250W ones. I've had one about 10cm from cross bracing (10mm) and didn't cause any problems.
 
I`ve tried the black light before, and it made the water appear merky.

When you say merky, I assume what the light did was to take all the "dirt" (lack of a better word) in the water and illuminate it, like it does with say a white t shirt. I experienced it only slightly in my fw setup. How bad was it in your case?

For how long did you use it? Was there any visible advantages during this time?

Jeez, I sound like the Spanish inquisition...
 
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