Need help with lighting....

dpzimmerman · 10/03/2009, 03:53 PM

I have a 75 gallon acrylic tank. It has a hood that can hold two 24" lightbulbs. I want to have some beginner level coral. What two 24" lightbulbs should i use?

Also, something has started growing everywhere over the past few days. What is it? Should i do anything about it? Here is a pic.

Thanks for the help.

dpzimmerman · 10/03/2009, 03:54 PM

wow sry for the huge pics, dont really know how that happened.

DC_40gallon · 10/03/2009, 03:56 PM

the beginning stages of algae I believe.

I got this a while back and just did a water change, siphoned the top layer which took a lot of it out and my CUC went in and took care of the rest.

This very reason in your pics is why I have a thread I just started asking for opinions on the best ways to take out my crushed coral and leave the live sand I mixed in with it and put a bag of argonite to replace the lost space of the crushed coral which will seed from the existing live sand over time.

goofyreefer · 10/03/2009, 04:27 PM

How long has the tank been set up? Looks like a nice tank though. I haven't had a tank like that for a LONG time.... brings back some memories

billsreef · 10/03/2009, 04:30 PM

Yup, the stuff growing is an algae. Likely dinoflagellates, as they are the typical early colonizer. As for growing corals with that light set up, it's just not enough for any photosynthetic (light requiring) corals. Those two bulbs add up to only 40 watts, you would need about 10x's that using fluorescent lighting for low light corals in that size tank. Non photosyntetic corals would be fine, but they have other requirements in care that can make them a challenge.

goofyreefer · 10/03/2009, 04:32 PM

Do you have (2) 24 inch 2 bulb light fixtures? What type of coral were you thinking of?

dpzimmerman · 10/03/2009, 05:07 PM

there is only one lighting fixture that holds two bulbs.
is it an old tank? i bought it from a lady on craigslist who didnt know what she was doing and was tired of spending money.

I just want to grow a ton of different kinds of mushrooms (really want yumas) and some xenia and zoos. nothing too exceptional i dont think.
When the tank is mature i dont want to be able to see the bottom or the surface of any dead coral chunks.

I just ordered 2 koralia 4's and a remora c protein skimmer. The tank has a fluval 404 hooked up to it now but i plan on taking it out when the protein skimmer arrives.

So are there bulbs i can buy to replace these weak ones with to grow corals who stand low to moderate light?

I can only spend about $150 more on this tank and the lighting is the last thing i need.

Can i buy some more lights and glue them to the inside of the hood next to the ones that are already there?

I looked at making my own MH lights today but decided i didnt feel like electrocuting myself or my fish.

Do you think i should do anything about the algae? its appearance doesnt really bother me but if it is going to mess the chemicals up then ill get it out. I bought 60 snails the other day but they dont seem to be eating it.

dpzimmerman · 10/03/2009, 05:10 PM

The tank has been set up for two weeks now.

billsreef · 10/03/2009, 08:01 PM

With the light fixture you have, it won't support higher wattage bulbs. It's a function of the ballast. I'd suggest holding off on the coral idea for a bit and taking some time to research lighting and saving up some money for a good light/canopy set up. It will also allow time for the tank to mature and stabilize.

With the algae, I wouldn't worry too much. You will go through a whole succession of different algae blooms before the tank stabilizes. Take the time to learn about water quality parameters and their effects, as well as honing your skills as a new aquarist

Remember, good things happen slowly, only bad things happen fast.

goofyreefer · 10/03/2009, 10:48 PM

+1^

Your lighting is one of a number of important pieces so I would go slow and save some cash to get a good fixture. For $150 your options will be very limited.

dpzimmerman · 10/04/2009, 08:22 AM

ahh i knew that but its not what i wanted to hear ha. i got the tank mainly just to grow coral, i dont care much about fish at all, i just want one or two cool fish like a clown tang and then a ton of coral.

okay so if i spent 250-300 what should i get for it?

billsreef · 10/04/2009, 10:39 AM

How handy are you? That price range is doable for a DIY canopy with either VHO flourescents or dual bulb 175watt Metal Halide set up. For already manufactured light canopies, you need to double that price.

dpzimmerman · 10/04/2009, 05:13 PM

I can get my dad to help, he is Extremely handy. I tried to go to home depot and buy materials for dual 175 watt MH but they first tried to sell me a lamp cord to use so i decided they had no clue what they were doing so i gave up on the idea. im just going to look on craigslist.

what type of wattage do i need for the 75g though?
is 2 175 what bulbs enough?

is it possible to retrofit this kind of light to work in an aquarium?
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/hsh/1382303896.html

Thanks

lordofthereef · 10/04/2009, 06:09 PM

A rule of thumb for MH is 1 bulb per 24" of width. I would go with 1x 250w MH over the tank being that your tank is 24" wide. You could retrofit what you see there, but it will still need a ballast. You really aren't saving money on that setup IMO. Just look here at used stuff in RC.

billsreef · 10/04/2009, 06:31 PM

Don't try and retrofit something from Home Depot. Check out some places online such as Drs. Foster and Smith, Custom Aquatics, Premium Aquatics, etc. Links can be found on our sponsor page. Look for retro fit kits.

klaman13 · 10/05/2009, 03:11 PM

Patience is a virtue with reefing. You need to first find out what type of corals you want to put in your tank. Then you need to find out what type of lighting they need. If you get into a hurry and go buy a light that you think may work, you may find out that you have just spent that money for nothing because you want other corals that your new lighting system can't satisfy. So do some research on what you want in your tank and then choose your lighting on that.

I'm not a patient person and when I started my tank I wanted to have everything right now. With reefing you must learn to be patient and I know that sucks. I have became a more patient person because of my tank. It will be more rewarding in the long run if you are. Good luck with finding what you need and happy reefing.

goofyreefer · 10/05/2009, 03:57 PM

OK.... I'm sure some here will have a problem with this idea BUT you could get the Odyssea light fixture(s). You still have to ask yourself what you want to keep. IMO I would try to stay away from going the MH route since they are more expensive to run and get HOT. Here's a link to what I'm thinking of.

http://shop.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-...es-p/52211.htm

If your a DIY kinda person I would give a lot of consideration to using LED's. Not really cheap but they light output is unbelieveable.

10/03/2009, 03:53 PM	#1
dpzimmerman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oxford, MS Posts: 36	Need help with lighting.... I have a 75 gallon acrylic tank. It has a hood that can hold two 24" lightbulbs. I want to have some beginner level coral. What two 24" lightbulbs should i use? Also, something has started growing everywhere over the past few days. What is it? Should i do anything about it? Here is a pic. Thanks for the help.

10/03/2009, 04:30 PM	#5
billsreef Moderator 10 & Over Club Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Long Island, NY/North Miami Posts: 36,538	Yup, the stuff growing is an algae. Likely dinoflagellates, as they are the typical early colonizer. As for growing corals with that light set up, it's just not enough for any photosynthetic (light requiring) corals. Those two bulbs add up to only 40 watts, you would need about 10x's that using fluorescent lighting for low light corals in that size tank. Non photosyntetic corals would be fine, but they have other requirements in care that can make them a challenge. __________________ Bill "LOL, well I have no brain apparently. " - dc (Debi) Current Tank Info: Far too many tanks according to my wife, LOL.

10/03/2009, 05:07 PM	#7
dpzimmerman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oxford, MS Posts: 36	there is only one lighting fixture that holds two bulbs. is it an old tank? i bought it from a lady on craigslist who didnt know what she was doing and was tired of spending money. I just want to grow a ton of different kinds of mushrooms (really want yumas) and some xenia and zoos. nothing too exceptional i dont think. When the tank is mature i dont want to be able to see the bottom or the surface of any dead coral chunks. I just ordered 2 koralia 4's and a remora c protein skimmer. The tank has a fluval 404 hooked up to it now but i plan on taking it out when the protein skimmer arrives. So are there bulbs i can buy to replace these weak ones with to grow corals who stand low to moderate light? I can only spend about $150 more on this tank and the lighting is the last thing i need. Can i buy some more lights and glue them to the inside of the hood next to the ones that are already there? I looked at making my own MH lights today but decided i didnt feel like electrocuting myself or my fish. Do you think i should do anything about the algae? its appearance doesnt really bother me but if it is going to mess the chemicals up then ill get it out. I bought 60 snails the other day but they dont seem to be eating it. Last edited by dpzimmerman; 10/03/2009 at 05:14 PM.

10/03/2009, 08:01 PM	#9
billsreef Moderator 10 & Over Club Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Long Island, NY/North Miami Posts: 36,538	With the light fixture you have, it won't support higher wattage bulbs. It's a function of the ballast. I'd suggest holding off on the coral idea for a bit and taking some time to research lighting and saving up some money for a good light/canopy set up. It will also allow time for the tank to mature and stabilize. With the algae, I wouldn't worry too much. You will go through a whole succession of different algae blooms before the tank stabilizes. Take the time to learn about water quality parameters and their effects, as well as honing your skills as a new aquarist Remember, good things happen slowly, only bad things happen fast. __________________ Bill "LOL, well I have no brain apparently. " - dc (Debi) Current Tank Info: Far too many tanks according to my wife, LOL.

10/04/2009, 10:39 AM	#12
billsreef Moderator 10 & Over Club Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Long Island, NY/North Miami Posts: 36,538	How handy are you? That price range is doable for a DIY canopy with either VHO flourescents or dual bulb 175watt Metal Halide set up. For already manufactured light canopies, you need to double that price. __________________ Bill "LOL, well I have no brain apparently. " - dc (Debi) Current Tank Info: Far too many tanks according to my wife, LOL.

10/03/2009, 03:54 PM	#2
dpzimmerman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oxford, MS Posts: 36	wow sry for the huge pics, dont really know how that happened.

10/03/2009, 03:56 PM	#3
DC_40gallon Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,474	the beginning stages of algae I believe. I got this a while back and just did a water change, siphoned the top layer which took a lot of it out and my CUC went in and took care of the rest. This very reason in your pics is why I have a thread I just started asking for opinions on the best ways to take out my crushed coral and leave the live sand I mixed in with it and put a bag of argonite to replace the lost space of the crushed coral which will seed from the existing live sand over time.

10/03/2009, 04:27 PM	#4
goofyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hoffman Estates Illinois Posts: 812	How long has the tank been set up? Looks like a nice tank though. I haven't had a tank like that for a LONG time.... brings back some memories

10/03/2009, 04:32 PM	#6
goofyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hoffman Estates Illinois Posts: 812	Do you have (2) 24 inch 2 bulb light fixtures? What type of coral were you thinking of?

10/03/2009, 05:10 PM	#8
dpzimmerman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oxford, MS Posts: 36	The tank has been set up for two weeks now.

10/03/2009, 10:48 PM	#10
goofyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hoffman Estates Illinois Posts: 812	+1^ Your lighting is one of a number of important pieces so I would go slow and save some cash to get a good fixture. For $150 your options will be very limited.

10/04/2009, 08:22 AM	#11
dpzimmerman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oxford, MS Posts: 36	ahh i knew that but its not what i wanted to hear ha. i got the tank mainly just to grow coral, i dont care much about fish at all, i just want one or two cool fish like a clown tang and then a ton of coral. okay so if i spent 250-300 what should i get for it?

10/04/2009, 05:13 PM	#13
dpzimmerman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oxford, MS Posts: 36	I can get my dad to help, he is Extremely handy. I tried to go to home depot and buy materials for dual 175 watt MH but they first tried to sell me a lamp cord to use so i decided they had no clue what they were doing so i gave up on the idea. im just going to look on craigslist. what type of wattage do i need for the 75g though? is 2 175 what bulbs enough? is it possible to retrofit this kind of light to work in an aquarium? http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/hsh/1382303896.html Thanks Last edited by dpzimmerman; 10/04/2009 at 05:27 PM.

10/04/2009, 06:09 PM	#14
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	A rule of thumb for MH is 1 bulb per 24" of width. I would go with 1x 250w MH over the tank being that your tank is 24" wide. You could retrofit what you see there, but it will still need a ballast. You really aren't saving money on that setup IMO. Just look here at used stuff in RC.

10/04/2009, 06:31 PM	#15
billsreef Moderator 10 & Over Club Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Long Island, NY/North Miami Posts: 36,538	Don't try and retrofit something from Home Depot. Check out some places online such as Drs. Foster and Smith, Custom Aquatics, Premium Aquatics, etc. Links can be found on our sponsor page. Look for retro fit kits. __________________ Bill "LOL, well I have no brain apparently. " - dc (Debi) Current Tank Info: Far too many tanks according to my wife, LOL.

10/05/2009, 03:11 PM	#16
klaman13 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: arkansas Posts: 31	Patience is a virtue with reefing. You need to first find out what type of corals you want to put in your tank. Then you need to find out what type of lighting they need. If you get into a hurry and go buy a light that you think may work, you may find out that you have just spent that money for nothing because you want other corals that your new lighting system can't satisfy. So do some research on what you want in your tank and then choose your lighting on that. I'm not a patient person and when I started my tank I wanted to have everything right now. With reefing you must learn to be patient and I know that sucks. I have became a more patient person because of my tank. It will be more rewarding in the long run if you are. Good luck with finding what you need and happy reefing.

10/05/2009, 03:57 PM	#17
goofyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hoffman Estates Illinois Posts: 812	OK.... I'm sure some here will have a problem with this idea BUT you could get the Odyssea light fixture(s). You still have to ask yourself what you want to keep. IMO I would try to stay away from going the MH route since they are more expensive to run and get HOT. Here's a link to what I'm thinking of. http://shop.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-...es-p/52211.htm If your a DIY kinda person I would give a lot of consideration to using LED's. Not really cheap but they light output is unbelieveable.