Lighting Zoa's by the color or kelvin

[Bryn]

Anyone out there lighting there zoa's by the kelvin, like 14K or 20K using leds. I have some AI Hydras, first gen I believe with the seven different leds, and got two sitting about 12inches above a 40G breeder. Have them set to the levels below which is supposed to be 14K.

UV 40%
V 40%
DB 40%
RB 50%
G 35%
DR 25%
CW 65%

Interested to know how others light their zoas, and if they use the temp of light, individual led colors, and what PAR values.

Thanks

 

[tankstudy]

According to my Radion program. I keep mine in the 18-20k range. My lights ramp up and down a little bit.

Ultra Violet - 100%
Royal Blue - 100%
Blue - 100%
White - 10%
Red - 24%
Green 24%

Sandbed par values range from 87-95. My tank is just a large sandbed.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

My Ethereal is set at 12000 Kelvin but I would recommend a little more blue if you want zoas to pop more. I keep my light at that because it looks better for pictures:

 

[SGreene]

I've been keeping zoa for couple of years and gone through all sort of lighting setup. Some zoa look better in high actinic while other look better in lower K range. Some green or gold colors look much better in 14000K, while red or other darker colors pop more in 20000K..

 

[Bryn]

@SGreene did you ever notice a growth preference under certain temps?

 

[SGreene]

Lower K definitely shows better growth but I always end up changing to 20000 K, just cant stand dull colors. Another important thing is light intensity. Uused to have narrow angle Kessil and polyp size wasn't that good. Wider angel lights are better for zoa I think. Not too low where polyps are stretching for light but not too high either. I am happy with AI Hydra 26hd.

 

[Bryn]

@SGreene interesting, thanks. Which temp was better for growth 14K? or lower?

 

[SGreene]

Well, growth will get better as you go toward that 6500 but who wants an algae filled green/brown tank. I stay at high color temp and completely satisfied with the growth. I'd rather have nice colors than good growth.

 

[Bryn]

good point.