Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi all,

Let me start off by saying Hi. I am new to Aquaponics and in the process of designing and building my indoor basement aquaponic system. I am currently trying to figure out my lighting setup and was looking to get advice from you all. I have had many Saltwater Reef systems and I was hoping to be able to use some of my many lighting systems I have laying around not being used.

I have two 60" ATI T5 8 bulb fixtures with individual reflectors that I want to use. Here is a link to the fixtures:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem. ... ild=UZ3017

The problem I am having is finding bulbs that will work with them for growing plants. Since I wasn't able to find anything I decided to pick some bulbs that are for reef tanks and planted tank that might also work for growing aquaponic plants. These are the bulbs I narrowed down to:

http://www.marinedepot.com/D_D_Gieseman ... HO-vi.html

Actinic+:A special 60/40 combination of deep blue and actinic wavelengths emits levels of actinic as well as a blue spectrum. Suitable for saltwater and reef aquariums. Color Temperature: Blue

http://www.marinedepot.com/D_D_Gieseman ... HO-vi.html

AquaFlora:The perfect light spectrum for lush plant growth. Specially designed for freshwater use. Highlights the red and blue colors of your fish. Suitable for freshwater aquariums.

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/ge-sta ... 5-ho-lamps

GE Starcoat 6500K T5 HO Lamps

1) What is your opinion on the bulb choices?
2) Do I need that variety in color spectrums?
3) Should I forget the other color spectrum bulbs and just use the GE Starcoat 6500K T5 HO Lamps?
4)Do you have any other bulb recommendations for the fixture I would like to use?

Thanks for the help it is really appreciated!

Khalid

..
I would assume that aquarium tubes would be the best place to start.. that is what I would move to..
Welcome aboard.. and I hope it works well for you..


Must admit that it seems such a pain having to provide light, on top of all the usual problems with AP.. but some climates make things impossible... benefit with basemant systems... no pests..
You will have lots of therapy, with a brush, fertilizing flowing plants..
..
.

The GE Starcoat bulbs will be fine - and a lot cheaper. 6500K is about where you want fluorescent bulbs to be for plant growth.

Thanks, definitely will be therapeutic pollinating the flowering plants for sure but I could always use some stress relieving activities.

Thank you very much for your advice I appreciate it.