What lighting makes corals "pop"

Jmunk · 09/14/2014, 04:16 PM

Right now, I'm using a 4 bulb T5 fixture WITH a fluval 48" LED fixture as well. My tank is really on the blue side, but the coral really don't "pop".

In addition, I'd like to have a more white look, to make for a more natural look, but everytime I switch it to the daylight settings on my LEDs, the coral colors just get so washed out.

Fishy 1 · 09/15/2014, 07:56 AM

If you like the color of the daylight LEDs then think about going mostly Actinic as they really make corals pop. But you might be lacking parts of the spectrum if you use just actinic's so it may be best to add a warmer bulb like 12 or 14k. I'm still fairly new when it comes to lighting so hopefully a more experienced person will chime in soon

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mussel and hate · 09/15/2014, 11:38 AM

Nothing will make a coral pop like a c02 laser...

Jmunk · 09/15/2014, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishy 1

If you like the color of the daylight LEDs then think about going mostly Actinic as they really make corals pop. But you might be lacking parts of the spectrum if you use just actinic's so it may be best to add a warmer bulb like 12 or 14k. I'm still fairly new when it comes to lighting so hopefully a more experienced person will chime in soon

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Hmm, seems for me that the daylight setting on the LED's just absolutely wash out every color of the color. The actinic setting definitely make them pop a bit more, but I'm not a fan of too much blue in my tank.

Poseidon · 09/16/2014, 07:22 AM

You have both LED and T5? What bulbs are you using?

09/14/2014, 04:16 PM	#1
Jmunk Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 686	What lighting makes corals "pop" Right now, I'm using a 4 bulb T5 fixture WITH a fluval 48" LED fixture as well. My tank is really on the blue side, but the coral really don't "pop". In addition, I'd like to have a more white look, to make for a more natural look, but everytime I switch it to the daylight settings on my LEDs, the coral colors just get so washed out.

09/15/2014, 07:56 AM	#2
Fishy 1 The Reefer From Downunder Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Western Australia Posts: 2,256	If you like the color of the daylight LEDs then think about going mostly Actinic as they really make corals pop. But you might be lacking parts of the spectrum if you use just actinic's so it may be best to add a warmer bulb like 12 or 14k. I'm still fairly new when it comes to lighting so hopefully a more experienced person will chime in soon. __________________ Rory "The day that I stop learning will be the day that I die" Current Tank Info: Newly Born Regency 220 "The Impulse Reef"

09/16/2014, 07:22 AM	#5
Poseidon Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Swartz Creek Posts: 728	You have both LED and T5? What bulbs are you using? __________________ Just say no to CRABS! Current Tank Info: 85 Gallon mixed Reef. Halide/LED combo lighting.

09/15/2014, 11:38 AM	#3
mussel and hate Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: location location Posts: 701	Nothing will make a coral pop like a c02 laser...