So I have observed the trends in the industry over the years and recall everyone switching from PC to VHO then to Halides and then I remember the switch from Halides to T5 and now i have watched the trend from T5 to LEDs. I have used all of the above (except for LEDs)at some point or another and like them all though I still love that Shimmer from Halides
My wife buckled a few months back and told me I had a minute budget but could start another reef tank. Since a friend of mine Ended up with every single bit of my equipment I had to start from Scratch though he and my brother have given me odds and ends.My wife gave me a 150 dollar budget so I started out with an ancient Cube that I gave to my brother 4 years ago and has sat in his garage for that time. As with all of us in the hobby his garage will someday lead to, "on this episode of hoarders"
I bought Salt next and then shopped around for a light bar. Then at random while facing the Anarchy of black friday with My brother he showed me the 6500k bulbs I have always used in my sump and a party light. Given the lack of room the hood in my Cube has I thought what the heck and bought a shop lamp and a y splitter from the hardware store. The setup began then again with the help Of jeepkid and My older sibling. I had 50% Live rock 50% Utah Rock. I was given 20% of the live sand needed to fill the tank and for the rest I used Utah sand. The lights are fascinating as they seem to be a mutant hybrid cross between T5 and Halides in looks for my little cube and I still have that shimmer that only halides and LEDs will provide. With the 65k bulb off my tank looks no different than my 75 or my 150 with only the actinics on. I have the always enjoyable new tank woes which usually result in me adding a tiny bit of Livestock simply putting it on a timer topping off and waiting for the Purple explosion
Several months Later I have purple Crap everywhere and after waiting out the spring Cyano I will begin utilizing my tank. I have been redneck reefkeeping as I watch my Zoas which have been in since day one. Not sure if those ugly things are a gift or a curse though my brother seemed eager/amused to pawn them off
By watching the Zoas and spots of Coraline I have known where my chemistry is at Intersting enough I have been able to Track it better this way then by testing. (Though I still test when my Zoas are mad) I have Purple Crap everywhere and my Zoas have taken off like crazy .The result of my experiment has been interesting and offers hope to those who do not have or want to spend the money on lighting. When I can I will take some pics of my humble experiment before I move it over to My upgrade that the approval committee (my beloved Wife) is letting me get. Then I will take the majority of it and start the upgrade and refill the rest after moving the tank to my Daughters playroom.
For those interested it will be 6500k daylight bulbs and blue party bulbs. Needed I used a shop lamp capable of far more juice flowing through it than what actually is. Hopefully this is helpful to someone out there
Edited by PDoug - April 17 2014 at 4:25pm
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wickedsnowman wrote:
Well done.
