Lighting advice

[05 LL Stang]

All,
I am setting up a 90 gallon tank as we speak. I purchased this 90 from a local guy who used it for saltwater. As I started putting the different components together today I realize the lights are 4 URI aquatic lights, 3 part # FR40T12 and one FR40T12 VHO. I see they are meant for reef tanks. but do I need to worry about using these in my discus tank? It will not be planted and will have 2 BN and 7 discus to start.......with plans for 4 or 5 clown Loaches and two or 3 more discus down the road.

Thanks
Jeff

[Jhhnn]

That level of lighting is unnecessary. My fish freaked out for weeks when I tried growing plants under bright CF lamps.

Your fixture will probably work just fine w/ only one lamp installed- try it. You may also want to change out the lamp for a different output spectrum- that's up to you.

[jrodriguez]

The 4 URI aquatic lights are they white, 50/50, or super actinic?

[05 LL Stang]

3 white and 1 super actnic.

Take a look, it is BRIGHT!!!!!

http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu261/jlglenny/NewAquarium1.jpg

[RodneyL001]

I agree with the opinion that is more than enough light. I hope you don't mind me mentioning something that you didn't ask about. Clown Loaches become huge, they will out grow your tank soon. I have seen pictures of those fish that have grown out, they don't appear to be the type of fish that most people would keep in a home aquarium, IMO. Look them up on the internet, they grow huge.

[05 LL Stang]

I did see where they do grow rather large.......
I have also thought about Cory's as well.

[seasiderick]

3 white and 1 super actnic.

Take a look, it is BRIGHT!!!!!

http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu261/jlglenny/NewAquarium1.jpg
Very nice I like the look cant wait to see fish in it.Take care Rick

[Jhhnn]

I agree with the opinion that is more than enough light. I hope you don't mind me mentioning something that you didn't ask about. Clown Loaches become huge, they will out grow your tank soon. I have seen pictures of those fish that have grown out, they don't appear to be the type of fish that most people would keep in a home aquarium, IMO. Look them up on the internet, they grow huge.

Sadly, that's true for a variety of fish sold in the trade. Many pleco species get huge, as do gouramis, uarus, and innocent-looking catfish who are very effective nocturnal predators.

That's just the shortlist. Lots of others, including these lovelies- check post #16-

http://www.aquariumforum.com/f4/snakeheads-2323.html

Ugh.

[tcyiu]

I hope you don't mind me mentioning something that you didn't ask about. Clown Loaches become huge, they will out grow your tank soon.

A couple of mitigating factors:
1. We don't provide the right environment for them to get to their true potential. So they end up somewhat stunted in aquariums.
2. They live a long time and grow ridiculously slowly. By the time you have grandchildren, they might be able to sell the loaches and fund their college tuition.

Tim

P.S. Jeff. That background is seriously cool. Where'd you get it?

[05 LL Stang]

All,
I am setting up a 90 gallon tank as we speak. I purchased this 90 from a local guy who used it for saltwater. As I started putting the different components together today I realize the lights are 4 URI aquatic lights, 3 part # FR40T12 and one FR40T12 VHO. I see they are meant for reef tanks. but do I need to worry about using these in my discus tank? It will not be planted and will have 2 BN and 7 discus to start.......with plans for 4 or 5 clown Loaches and two or 3 more discus down the road.

Thanks
Jeff

As predicted, I have a serious algae problem. I have 2 BN, 1 is about 5" and one that was 1.5" that is about 2.5" after just a month!! These 2 can't keep up with the algae like I hoped, so instead of getting another BN, I think replacement bulbs are in order. What do you suggest I get? Should I try to get non UV replacement bulbs, if so do you have a suggestion? Or should I scrap my current lighting set up and get some LED lights?

[akumastew]

Couldn't you add a UV Sterilizer to help take care of your Algae issue?

I have 5 BNP ranging from 1.5 - 2.5" and they take care of any algae in my 125 gallon.

Although I don't have nearly as much light as you do.

- Stew

[rickztahone]

Couldn't you add a UV Sterilizer to help take care of your Algae issue?

I have 5 BNP ranging from 1.5 - 2.5" and they take care of any algae in my 125 gallon.

Although I don't have nearly as much light as you do.

- Stew
from my understanding the UV sterilizer will only take care of free-floating algae which is generally green water algae. i believe getting a few more BN will help with algae, also some nerite snails. how long are you keeping the lights on?

[05 LL Stang]

I started with 14 hours, that was too much. I am now down to 11.5 hrs.

Snails? Really?

[fishorama]

Less light, try 8 hours max. Also can you turn off 2 of the 4 bulbs part of the time?

[05 LL Stang]

I wish I could turn off 2 lights, it is all or none.......

I am thinking of switching all my lights out for these LED lights.....2 bars of them....

cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-LED-LIGHT-TUBE-4-foot-300-LED-10-000Kw-plug_W0QQitemZ230395996774QQihZ013QQcategoryZ20755 QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m444QQ_trkparmsZalgo %3DCRX%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DSI%252BUA%252BLM%25 2BLA%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63

Would that be enough light but still dim enough for discus?

I was also thinking of replacing my 4 T12 end caps with 4 T5, but I am not sure.

[Eddie]

I wish I could turn off 2 lights, it is all or none.......

I am thinking of switching all my lights out for these LED lights.....2 bars of them....

cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-LED-LIGHT-TUBE-4-foot-300-LED-10-000Kw-plug_W0QQitemZ230395996774QQihZ013QQcategoryZ20755 QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m444QQ_trkparmsZalgo %3DCRX%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DSI%252BUA%252BLM%25 2BLA%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63

Would that be enough light but still dim enough for discus?

I was also thinking of replacing my 4 T12 end caps with 4 T5, but I am not sure.

Remove 2 bulbs

[David Rose]

I know of some folks that would put a colored paper if there is a fixture cover to filter the light as an option.