Quote:
Originally Posted by pomacanthus
Tom-
FWIW I owned a "Lux meter" back in the early 90's to record levels at different depths in my reef aquaria, but I dont qualify as a hobbyist. At that time i was a retail saltwater store owner.
So after digesting 70% of this technical thread data, and feeling very sleepy i have a really EZ question for you. Do you prefer fluorescent (regardless of type) or metal halide, or both in combination. Dont over think this question as it pertains to different planted aquaria etc. just looking for a general answer ( ie your opinion.)
Im a dinosaur saltwater guy, and a plant tank newbie (in progress) Thanks for the forum, its exactly what i was looking for.
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Hard to say.
They are very different for a number of reasons to me personally.
Aesthetics are vastly different.
I like mixing color temps, always have going way back.
This always seemed to give me a nice color I liked.
I tend to like warmer color temps than most these days.
For bring out reds, FL's, say the GE 9235K's are very hard to beat or the triton bulbs(but they only make a straight pin 21" bulb or the T12/T8 sizes), I also have a nice mix with 8800K and 5000K CSL PC bulbs, but no more(no longer made).
MH's always washed out many colors but the pearl intensity and the shimmer, greens, always seemed really pretty.
One is point source and displays a different pattern under water, whereas the FL's will do something different, point source vs the linear line of light.
Mixing the trade offs of each with each other is what I do for myself and clients.
So I prefer both.
I can run my tanks at low light, about 100 micmols down to 30-40 with the PC's, or go to the high light ranges with PC+MH and have 80 at the lower ranges/edges, up to 600 in the hot spots.
Regards,
Tom Barr