Lighting

[Biulu]

I have a 46 gallon bowfront tank with 4 lights: 2 T8 in the back of 15 W and 2 T5 in the middle of 14 W each. One of the T5s is a 6500 K and the other one a 10000K. Now I was told that the 10000 would produce a lot of algae. Is this true? And if so, to which temperature should I switch then? What is the optimum for all my 4 tubes?

 

[SuperColey1]

No the 10000K won't produce algae.
I would guess it borders blue/white. The 6500K will probably have a greenish tinge.


Your light is about perfect for the tank size.

It is equivalent to 2 x full tank length tubes

In general it is better to get full tank length than small tubes though because tubes output is better away from the ends. Think about those 'black' rings you get on worn tubes.

If they are 2 x 4ft long then the black rings are (example) 1" x 2 ends x 2 tubes = 4% area where those black rings will wear in.

If they are 4 x 2ft long then the black rings are (example) 1" x 2 ends x 4 tubes = 8% area where those black rings will wear in.

However thats minor so you have virtually optimal lighting

AC

 

[Biulu]

Ok, thanks! I didn't take the longer lights as they wouldn't fit in completely. Now they are overlapping a bit only, but I think with the reflectors this is fine.