Live Rock/Lights

Driz · 11/30/2009, 06:45 PM

I was in my LFS earlier admiring the pretty colorful shiny stuff...and since I am getting close to adding lighting, I asked what amount of T5 lighting I should use. He recommended for my 90g tank, (18inch Height) 8 56wat T5 bulbs...seemed strange to me so I figured I'd ask here, any info would be great. I would LIKE to get SPS later on in the tank but for now probally just softies and some LPS at most.

Also wondering they sell "Belize" rock, anyone have any experience with this type of rock on average, (He had very little in stock this time so didn't get a good look at it).

Thanks in advance

spleify · 11/30/2009, 06:53 PM

Well with an 8X56W fixture you will be able to keep any SPS in there you want. You could probably get by with a 6X56W fixture, and if you decide to keep SPS later on, just keep them half way up and higher, and you will be good to go.

I don't know anything about the rock, so can't help you there, sorry. Someone will chime in I'm sure

Driz · 11/30/2009, 09:09 PM

Thank you for the help, anyone know anything about the rock? Or does it even matter? Rock is Rock?

kyrin01 · 11/30/2009, 09:11 PM

I pretty much think Rock is Rock, with one exception. (other than looks) You are going to have different Hitchhikers than say Tonga, or any other rock for that matter.

Driz · 11/30/2009, 09:28 PM

Hmm good to know since it looks better and is about $1.50/lb cheaper...supposedly "Alot denser" what ever that means...

thegrun · 11/30/2009, 10:47 PM

Lighter (more porous) rock is better than dense rock as it has more surface area for bacteria to colonize and more anaerobic areas. That said, I wouldn't worry to much about it.

terri_ann · 12/01/2009, 12:29 AM

Tonga rock is no longer available so I've read & heard. I'm sure there is still some out there but usually in limited quanities. IMHO, rock is not just rock. As grun eluded, more porous rock is better than denser. Some aquarists add rock from different regions for not only the aquaskaping but to get different colored coralline ;-)

C3gear · 12/01/2009, 12:45 AM

the type of rock wont matter unless you are looking for a certain look or aquascape.
I was able to find 40-50 lbs of tonga from a tank breakdown at one of my LFS's.

IDSkoT · 12/01/2009, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terri_ann

Tonga rock is no longer available so I've read & heard. I'm sure there is still some out there but usually in limited quanities. IMHO, rock is not just rock. As grun eluded, more porous rock is better than denser. Some aquarists add rock from different regions for not only the aquaskaping but to get different colored coralline ;-)

I don't know who I heard this from, but I heard that Volcanic rock (I forget the actual name for it) alters your pH level in your tank. That's why I didn't use any in my tank.

Driz · 12/01/2009, 11:01 PM

I saw a thread on this on RC somewhere (Sorry don't remember where), the Volcanic rock that is. It stated from what I remember, if you wash the rock well you can place it in the tank, though results vary.

But from what I read basically, as long as it's not dead it's good rock? Sounds like it'll work. However I have a question on LED lights, I like the acntic LED moonlights, small and could be cool as a side light, however they don't rate them, where I can find them at least, in wats like T5's do, anyway they are rated?

11/30/2009, 06:45 PM	#1
Driz Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 17	Live Rock/Lights I was in my LFS earlier admiring the pretty colorful shiny stuff...and since I am getting close to adding lighting, I asked what amount of T5 lighting I should use. He recommended for my 90g tank, (18inch Height) 8 56wat T5 bulbs...seemed strange to me so I figured I'd ask here, any info would be great. I would LIKE to get SPS later on in the tank but for now probally just softies and some LPS at most. Also wondering they sell "Belize" rock, anyone have any experience with this type of rock on average, (He had very little in stock this time so didn't get a good look at it). Thanks in advance

11/30/2009, 06:53 PM	#2
spleify Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 9,579	Well with an 8X56W fixture you will be able to keep any SPS in there you want. You could probably get by with a 6X56W fixture, and if you decide to keep SPS later on, just keep them half way up and higher, and you will be good to go. I don't know anything about the rock, so can't help you there, sorry. Someone will chime in I'm sure __________________ Make it a Great Day!!!! Current Tank Info: 60 gal SPS cube, with 25 gal refugium, 400W MH, DIY Lumenarc III, DIY skimmer, DIY stand and canopy. 40 breeder LPS with 40 gallon sump, DIY stand, 250W MH

12/01/2009, 12:29 AM	#7
terri_ann Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Marshalltown, IA Posts: 841	Tonga rock is no longer available so I've read & heard. I'm sure there is still some out there but usually in limited quanities. IMHO, rock is not just rock. As grun eluded, more porous rock is better than denser. Some aquarists add rock from different regions for not only the aquaskaping but to get different colored coralline ;-) __________________ Happy Reefing!! :) Current Tank Info: 180g mixed 40B Anemone 5' raceway frag tank

12/01/2009, 12:45 AM	#8
C3gear Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Atlanta,GA Posts: 51	the type of rock wont matter unless you are looking for a certain look or aquascape. I was able to find 40-50 lbs of tonga from a tank breakdown at one of my LFS's. __________________ Men Do what they want Boys do what they can..... Current Tank Info: starting a new build soon

11/30/2009, 09:09 PM	#3
Driz Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 17	Thank you for the help, anyone know anything about the rock? Or does it even matter? Rock is Rock?

11/30/2009, 09:11 PM	#4
kyrin01 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 301	I pretty much think Rock is Rock, with one exception. (other than looks) You are going to have different Hitchhikers than say Tonga, or any other rock for that matter.

11/30/2009, 09:28 PM	#5
Driz Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 17	Hmm good to know since it looks better and is about $1.50/lb cheaper...supposedly "Alot denser" what ever that means...

11/30/2009, 10:47 PM	#6
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Lighter (more porous) rock is better than dense rock as it has more surface area for bacteria to colonize and more anaerobic areas. That said, I wouldn't worry to much about it.

12/01/2009, 11:01 PM	#10
Driz Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 17	I saw a thread on this on RC somewhere (Sorry don't remember where), the Volcanic rock that is. It stated from what I remember, if you wash the rock well you can place it in the tank, though results vary. But from what I read basically, as long as it's not dead it's good rock? Sounds like it'll work. However I have a question on LED lights, I like the acntic LED moonlights, small and could be cool as a side light, however they don't rate them, where I can find them at least, in wats like T5's do, anyway they are rated?