Proper lighting?

[Mohacks]

I have a 36 gallon bow front tank that is in need of proper lighting to host corals. Can anyone suggest what would be the best choice? I don't know exactly what corals I will wind up with but want a solution for all. Thanks.

[maddmaxx]

LEDs,,,,metal halides,,,,,T5s all would work with your set up. all would grow any type of coral, anemones, clams...

so basically it comes down to your budget and what you want..

LEDs...high initial cost, no bulb changes, not really long term tested, but many are happy with them

Metal Halides...the most proven in the industry, not as expensive initially as LEDs, but need bulb changes every 10-12months on average. usually ppl also run T5s or VHOs for actinics with MH

T5s... not as expensive as MH, but need bulbs changed every 6 months. many bulb choices. usually with T5s, the more the merrier. but with a bow front tank ,that may limit you to a 4 bulb setup as opposed to a 6 bulb unit on a normal rectangle tank..

[rtparty]

Originally Posted by maddmaxx

LEDs,,,,metal halides,,,,,T5s all would work with your set up. all would grow any type of coral, anemones, clams...

so basically it comes down to your budget and what you want..

LEDs...high initial cost, no bulb changes, not really long term tested, but many are happy with them

Metal Halides...the most proven in the industry, not as expensive initially as LEDs, but need bulb changes every 10-12months on average. usually ppl also run T5s or VHOs for actinics with MH

T5s... not as expensive as MH, but need bulbs changed every 6 months. many bulb choices. usually with T5s, the more the merrier. but with a bow front tank ,that may limit you to a 4 bulb setup as opposed to a 6 bulb unit on a normal rectangle tank..

T5s can easily last 12 months when properly setup and cooled.

[Xavibear]

I'm using an Aquaticlife t5 on my 36 bow. Nice light in my opinion.

[grigsy]

Originally Posted by Mohacks

I have a 36 gallon bow front tank that is in need of proper lighting to host corals. Can anyone suggest what would be the best choice? I don't know exactly what corals I will wind up with but want a solution for all. Thanks.

A lot of it will depend on what type of corals you want to keep in that tank. 36 gallon isn't that much so you have a lot of options, IMO.

If you want to keep SPS, my suggestion would be metal halide or T5 HO or a combination of both.

If a lot of soft corals, you can go with a single 150 watt metal halide or even a budget 2 x 65 watt compact fluorescent set up that you can find used from other reefers.

[Badlands25]

We really need more info. Budget -and what you want to keep

[Mohacks]

Originally Posted by Xavibear

I'm using an Aquaticlife t5 on my 36 bow. Nice light in my opinion.

Thanks. What do you use for a canopy/top on the bow?

[Xavibear]

Originally Posted by Mohacks

Thanks. What do you use for a canopy/top on the bow?

I've run without a top for years, but plan to build a screen top soon.