[I keep getting people asking me about the whys of the positioning of Halide Bulbs So I wanted to start this thread..
I want to make light of this light question I will try to explain it the best I know how. We did relivant testing of the positioning of MH bulbs over several tanks. Same wattage and same kelvin. When the bulbs were placed parallel with the length of the tank you got a good even spread of light per 2 foot section. This has been the normal fashion for so long and still in the way that Hoods/Canopies are manufactured.
When the bulbs were placed in the perpendicular arrangement you got different results and higher values of PAR. Also you achieve less shading on the sides of corals that after they grow to certain heights start to die off some in the lower portions because of no photosynthesis in these areas. Hence the direction or placement made a difference. Also with this configuration you could create what we called "Hot Spots" for that handful of corals that love to be blasted more that other corals. In a Single bulb configuration we found that in like a 3 foot tank we had less shading on the sides of the tank as well.
One of the other things that I noticed which seems to be obvious is the light that comes out the front glass and out the back glass it less. More light was staying inside the tank with the perpendicular arrangement.
Another thing that has really turned into the hot topic on Halides is how long should I run my bulbs......The peak PAR that corals receive is only about 4 hours but the corals still receive light for an additional 4-5 hours on each side of the peak depending on the solstice..But im not saying to shorten your photoperiod..... But maybe cut back on the length of which you burn your halides if you are using a combination settup with lighting. Such as MH/VHO or MH/Power compacts.
I personally have rolled my halides back an hour two weeks ago and another hour the week after. and plan to go back one more hour next week. What I have noticed so far is that diring the day I am getting better polyp extention on my stoney corals. No Rick I still dont have Bugs >
*Snicker*
I have also noticed that the coloration in my corals is looking a little deeper and richer..And im still doing my normal feeding of cyclopeeze for them at about and hour when the lights are off.This seems to be the best time to feed these kinds of corals because their feeder polyps are out. These are different from the ones that are visible during the daytime..
To each his own on this and Im not saying one works better than the other. But in my opinion the light is alot better utilized like this and gives you better coverage.. This diagram is kinda crappy ,, but you will understand what I am refering to by the Hot spots and spreading of the light.... Just think if the bulbs were parallel with the tank, The values of each would not be crossing the bulbs next to them as much.
alt="">
Nathan]
I want to make light of this light question I will try to explain it the best I know how. We did relivant testing of the positioning of MH bulbs over several tanks. Same wattage and same kelvin. When the bulbs were placed parallel with the length of the tank you got a good even spread of light per 2 foot section. This has been the normal fashion for so long and still in the way that Hoods/Canopies are manufactured.
When the bulbs were placed in the perpendicular arrangement you got different results and higher values of PAR. Also you achieve less shading on the sides of corals that after they grow to certain heights start to die off some in the lower portions because of no photosynthesis in these areas. Hence the direction or placement made a difference. Also with this configuration you could create what we called "Hot Spots" for that handful of corals that love to be blasted more that other corals. In a Single bulb configuration we found that in like a 3 foot tank we had less shading on the sides of the tank as well.
One of the other things that I noticed which seems to be obvious is the light that comes out the front glass and out the back glass it less. More light was staying inside the tank with the perpendicular arrangement.
Another thing that has really turned into the hot topic on Halides is how long should I run my bulbs......The peak PAR that corals receive is only about 4 hours but the corals still receive light for an additional 4-5 hours on each side of the peak depending on the solstice..But im not saying to shorten your photoperiod..... But maybe cut back on the length of which you burn your halides if you are using a combination settup with lighting. Such as MH/VHO or MH/Power compacts.
I personally have rolled my halides back an hour two weeks ago and another hour the week after. and plan to go back one more hour next week. What I have noticed so far is that diring the day I am getting better polyp extention on my stoney corals. No Rick I still dont have Bugs >
*Snicker*I have also noticed that the coloration in my corals is looking a little deeper and richer..And im still doing my normal feeding of cyclopeeze for them at about and hour when the lights are off.This seems to be the best time to feed these kinds of corals because their feeder polyps are out. These are different from the ones that are visible during the daytime..
To each his own on this and Im not saying one works better than the other. But in my opinion the light is alot better utilized like this and gives you better coverage.. This diagram is kinda crappy ,, but you will understand what I am refering to by the Hot spots and spreading of the light.... Just think if the bulbs were parallel with the tank, The values of each would not be crossing the bulbs next to them as much.
Nathan]
