[mclaren880]

Hi everyone, I usually post on a cichlid board (as this is what I keep), but I was thinking that for my lighting question, you guys might have more experience.

My question: I'm looking to get a new light for my 125 hap/peacock (only plant is java fern, i MIGHT consider planting Amazon sword at some point, but generally speaking, i don't need to consider plants much in my choice and won't be heartbroken if I can't ever plant a sword). So, I'm looking at some Marineland lights with a listed 600 lumens, and a Beamswork light with a listed 3000 lumens. They're both the same length. Does this mean that the Beamswork (3000 lumens) is actually 5x brighter than the Marineland (600 lumens)? I've seen what 600 lumens looks like, and while it isn't super bright, it seems like 5x stronger would basically be blinding to the fish.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sotty]

The fish will be fine (in general). Everything we put over our tanks still pales in comparison to how bright midday sun is. So any open water fish will always be fine. The only fish I know of that have issues are some tetras during breeding. Many out there likely know more than me, but I can safely assure you that they will be fine.

Judging how bright light actually are is difficult and the industry has don us no favors, as many companies release few if any actual tests that give hard data. I couldn't find data for your particular fixture. Other beamswork fixtures offer medium/low light at the substrate in planted tank terms.

 

[mclaren880]

Thanks!

Yeah all the info out there is very confusing. Sounds like I need to order some and see what I think.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[jeffkrol]

Yeah all the info out there is very confusing. Sounds like I need to order some and see what I think.

Thanks a bunch!

It is easier to cut back tooo much light than to not ave enough in the first place..
As to Cichlids.. I'd probably do what Cichlid people recommend..

There are two ways to know that you have to adjust the lighting in your tank. Firstly, if the fish's color grows too light, it may mean you have to turn the lighting down. Secondly, if there is too much algae in the tank, making it darker than it should be, then you may need to turn off your lights for longer periods. .

http://pets.thenest.com/lighting-cichlids-prefer-4606.html
YMMV