How much trouble am I in?

Philosophos

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1.5-2x brighter depending on reflectors mostly. Fresh bulbs will be 1.5x output to start, tapering down to about regular after 3 months.

I'm not sure about the spectrum on your bulbs in specific, but 12,000k is heavy blue/green in general missing a lot of prime spectrum in the higher end.

Unless you happen to have a PAR meter, I'd say do what looks good then adjust for intensity as your tank responds.

What size of tank are you running now by the way?
 

Philosophos

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Sounds like they've got a PAR meter; they'd certainly want one for what they're doing.

That lighting is overkill. You could've done just as well with a couple of stock T8's. There's nothing like an overpowered light as an excuse for a bigger tank though ;)
 
J

james.folsom

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Sounds like I have some options

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Tug

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This should help. Help your eye lids feel heavy. Find some toothpicks.
VaughnH;38789 said:
To start with, light intensity drops off with the square of the distance you move from the source.
And a few other interesting links,
http://www.barrreport.com/showthrea...ht-for-red-plants-1.8W-gal-see-what-you-think

http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/6972-The-light-limiting-growth-management-method

http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/7002-Why-dont-use-actinics-in-the-planted-tank

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/105774-par-vs-distance-t5-t12-pc.html

When you talk to the guys doing the algal biodiesal work, find out how much light they are using to grow algae. I have been told that they can almost grow the stuff in the dark now.

Sorry I'm not more help.
james.folsom; said:
Anybody ever hear of a 16.5 inch t5ho with 6700K.
 
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Philosophos

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I'd run no more than one bulb in that fixture, or raise it higher.

Current makes a 10,000k bulb if you want something a little more standard looking.
 

Philosophos

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Java fern and anubias always seem to respond slow. C. wendtii laying down is one I haven't seen. Short internodal spacing is a good result.

Reflectors would be a smart idea for them; higher output at a lower cost in replacement bulbs and energy. The reflectors would pay for themselves pretty quickly. If it's a matter of initial output expense, they'd probably be better off with even PVC sawed in half and painted a very pure white.
 

Philosophos

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Interesting reaction; C. parva does it easily but I've never seen it in C. wendtii before under any number of light levels. The plant looks healthy enough.