lighting ?

[Lady G]

I am getting a 75g FW tank and am looking for lighting for it, I found one for a good price but it was used for SW tank...is there a difference in the lighting for SW & FW? It's called a coralite (I think, something like that anyway)?

[misopeenut]

coralife aqualight?
if thats the name there is freshwater ones too

[Lady G]

Yes coralife, that is it! But is there a difference in SW & FW lighting? Is it bad to use a SW light on a FW tank?

[misopeenut]

i think SW has bluish lights and FW has more yellowish ones, its just different bulbs.

[Lady G]

Ok, so if I got the light I could just change the bulbs and it would be fine then? It's just a REALLY good price and if I can use it I'd love to get it (all about saving the $$$'s) :)

[misopeenut]

if you buy the bulbs it might come out the same price as buying the FW one....
i dont kow how good your deal is so just keep the cost of the bulbs in mind

[Addict]

Ok, so if I got the light I could just change the bulbs and it would be fine then? It's just a REALLY good price and if I can use it I'd love to get it (all about saving the $$$'s) :)
Yes. Just swap out the bulbs for ones suggested for FW.

Like misopeenut said, keep the price of bulbs in mind. They can get pricey. *cough* www.bigalsonline.com *cough* ;)

[Lady G]

Thanks, I'm going to look into a couple places before I decide, but it is the light strip with legs and four bulbs, for 90.00. I just wanted to make sure it would be ok to buy.

Thanks so much!!

[phanmc]

If you're going for a planted tank, then you may want to switch out the bulbs if it is a blue actinic bulb. If it's a 50/50 (half blue/half white) bulb you don't need to switch it out. Heck, you just might like the more bluish look it gives.

[Lady G]

Yes, it is a planted tank...not sure if its 50/50 or not, just more stuff to find out...so you think I should just get it then?

[misopeenut]

i have 50/50 myself... the plants dont look that good under blueish light tho, i wish they made more 18watts bulbs.

[Lady G]

Are they all "blueish"?...even the FW?

[dorkfish]

No not the "freshwater" bulbs or bulbs that are below about a 10-14 kelvin rating.

That's your answer if I understood the post correctly and your asking if all flourescent lights are "blueish".

[misopeenut]

50/50 has 10000k and actinic, tahts why its bluish.

[Lady G]

Oh, I see ok mine would be FW so then no...unless I keep the SW bulbs in there.

Thanks everyone...your so great!!

[KO Lo]

Is there any rules for lighting "ON" like number of hours, or 24 hours continuously "ON" ?
What's the affect to fish and aquatic plants ?

[twig]

I think leaving your lights on 24/7 stresses out fish and doesn't do anything for the plants ... You're basically just feeding the algae ...

i think 10-12 hours a day is the norm for lighting.

[Lady G]

I leave mine on during the day and turn them off before bed.