How do you decide which 4 light bulbs to choose for a 79 g?

[Jiinx]

Hi there,
I'm new to the world of lighting. There are just so many choices!

I know reds are important. How many bulbs if I have four? What other lights do I get? Moonlight? Blues? Full spectrum?

I'll probably get a36 inch fixture.

 

[dutchy]

I'm using four 6500K. Your plants will grow with every light you give them between...let's say 3000 and 10000K. Choose the light that appeals to you, anyway you're the one watching the tank.

 

[Janice Pillsbury Thompson]

Hi Dutchy,
I love your tank it is beautiful. I am new also to planting tanks and I only have one bulb per tank, a 5 gallon and a 7.7 Bookshelf tank. I am using Floramax Plant Growth 18" T8 in the 7.7 gallon (I don't love the color, it seems drab) and a 10 watt mini flourescent 600 lumens color enhancing light by Aqua, from Walmart, in the 5 gallon. I have a 10 gallon with two of the same Aqua bulbs that seems to be doing good and the plants are relatively happy, I think. And I like the color of those lights. I use Flourish Comprehensive and Excel three times a week and do water changes at least once a week. Since I am so new I would love a tip or two.
Janice

 

[Jiinx]

Hi Dutchy,
Thank you for your response.

What about moon lighting? To encourage spawning and general well being of the fish? Just wondering if one of my lights should be for that.

In regards to lighting, is there a balance when it comes to lighting? Should one particular light, like red, be on for x amt of time? And a blue for x amount? I gather different lights serve different purposes. I don't to become overly zealous about everything, but I sincerely do want to learn about what's best for my plants with the different lighting options!

 

[dutchy]

I've never used moonlighting, so I really can't tell you. What I have used over time is variois spectrums and never noticed an improvement in plant growth because of that. maybe it was there, but not noticable. It just looked different.

I think that 6500K bulbs are a good average between red and blue, with a good green spike for viewing, and also look natural. Lower K's are too yellow and higher K's wash out reds. It's still more about personal taste though.

 

[Jiinx]

Hi Dutchy,
Just been doing some research on lighting fixture. I've found these two..both for coral uses.
* http://www.jlaquatics.com/info/171/Sunlight+Supply+T5+Lighting+Fixtures.html
Sunlight Supply T5
* http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FQNZLA/?tag=barrreport-21
ATI T5

Any suggestions...