reef lighting

nemodude · 08/02/2005, 07:26 PM

I am looking for a light hood for my 55 gal salt water aquarium. I am going to convert it in to a reef tank. What type of lighting is recommended for my size tank to convert in to a reef tank. If you have a lighting hood that you would like to sell me please write back
Thanks
nemodude

elephen · 08/02/2005, 07:27 PM

What kind of reef do you want, softies, sps? Just depends on what you plan to keep.

electric130 · 08/02/2005, 07:43 PM

go with metal halides and T5's for actinics. for a 55, 175w MH's would be enough and heat wouldn't be too bad.

nemodude · 12/29/2006, 10:04 PM

I want to keep mostly soft corals and anemones. I was thinking of getting the Lunar Aqualight. It has 2- 65 watt 10,000K's, 2- 65 watt actinics, and 3 lunar lights. Would this be enough light for softies in a 55 or is a 55 too deep for just using flourescents?

electric130 · 12/30/2006, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nemodude
I want to keep mostly soft corals and anemones. I was thinking of getting the Lunar Aqualight. It has 2- 65 watt 10,000K's, 2- 65 watt actinics, and 3 lunar lights. Would this be enough light for softies in a 55 or is a 55 too deep for just using flourescents?

that would be okay for softies, but not most anemones. for most anemones, you want about the same lighting as for SPS and clams. personally, i'd stay away from PC's. i've had them and didn't like them compared to other lighting. i'd go for T5's or VHO's if you want fluorescent only.

nemodude · 12/30/2006, 02:09 PM

thanks for the tips, because I've been hearing mixed reviews with PC's as well.

nemodude · 12/30/2006, 02:12 PM

Ideally I'd like to get metal halides since a 55 gallon is so deep, but I'm only 18 and a freshmen in college, so I don't really have the money right now. Are metal halides really worth all that extra cost?

electric130 · 12/30/2006, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nemodude
Ideally I'd like to get metal halides since a 55 gallon is so deep, but I'm only 18 and a freshmen in college, so I don't really have the money right now. Are metal halides really worth all that extra cost?

i feel your pain. i was there before! LOL i think MH's are worth it. you can do a dual 175w MH setup for about $300 with bulbs, ballasts, reflectors and wiring.

The Grim Reefer · 12/30/2006, 04:57 PM

T5's are good because they wont over heat the tank and you dont need a tall canopy for them.

ReefWreak · 12/30/2006, 05:00 PM

Just watch the RC selling forum for a deal on halides. That's where you'll really find what you want for the right price.

jck3120 · 12/30/2006, 06:00 PM

I was in your similar situation a little while back for my 55. I ended up doing 260W PC and for the time it was alright. I had some softies and actually several anemones in there. My RBTA did great and I even had a Sebae on the bottom of the tank that seemed to do alright. Probably could have done better if there was different lighting but I fed him enough I think to make up for it. Now I have a 168 gal. and am upgrading to T5's now after intending to go with MH. IMO T5's are just as good as MH if you have enough and they are set-up right.

Genaro · 06/15/2011, 03:04 PM

hi Jc i have the same 55 18 inches tall and i have a single double ended ushio and two regular 03 40 watts any advise on how high from water level and how many hours i thank u in advanced

08/02/2005, 07:26 PM	#1
nemodude Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pottstown PA Posts: 83	reef lighting I am looking for a light hood for my 55 gal salt water aquarium. I am going to convert it in to a reef tank. What type of lighting is recommended for my size tank to convert in to a reef tank. If you have a lighting hood that you would like to sell me please write back Thanks nemodude

08/02/2005, 07:43 PM	#3
electric130 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Lowesville/Denver, NC Posts: 4,646	go with metal halides and T5's for actinics. for a 55, 175w MH's would be enough and heat wouldn't be too bad. __________________ J.R. Current Tank Info: None

12/29/2006, 10:04 PM	#4
nemodude Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pottstown PA Posts: 83	I want to keep mostly soft corals and anemones. I was thinking of getting the Lunar Aqualight. It has 2- 65 watt 10,000K's, 2- 65 watt actinics, and 3 lunar lights. Would this be enough light for softies in a 55 or is a 55 too deep for just using flourescents? __________________ I don't smoke the reefer. I am a reefer. Current Tank Info: 15 gallon FOWLR

12/30/2006, 02:09 PM	#6
nemodude Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pottstown PA Posts: 83	thanks for the tips, because I've been hearing mixed reviews with PC's as well. __________________ I don't smoke the reefer. I am a reefer. Current Tank Info: 15 gallon FOWLR

12/30/2006, 02:12 PM	#7
nemodude Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pottstown PA Posts: 83	Ideally I'd like to get metal halides since a 55 gallon is so deep, but I'm only 18 and a freshmen in college, so I don't really have the money right now. Are metal halides really worth all that extra cost? __________________ I don't smoke the reefer. I am a reefer. Current Tank Info: 15 gallon FOWLR

08/02/2005, 07:27 PM	#2
elephen Moved On Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: kc Posts: 2,763	What kind of reef do you want, softies, sps? Just depends on what you plan to keep.

12/30/2006, 04:57 PM	#9
The Grim Reefer Ready for some NOBALL!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Kingman Az Posts: 25,259	T5's are good because they wont over heat the tank and you dont need a tall canopy for them. __________________ America, the way it outta be! Current Tank Info: 120 Starphire with Illudium Q-288 Photon Regurgitator DIY LED lighting

12/30/2006, 05:00 PM	#10
ReefWreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Astoria, NYC Posts: 10,159	Just watch the RC selling forum for a deal on halides. That's where you'll really find what you want for the right price.

12/30/2006, 06:00 PM	#11
jck3120 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 95	I was in your similar situation a little while back for my 55. I ended up doing 260W PC and for the time it was alright. I had some softies and actually several anemones in there. My RBTA did great and I even had a Sebae on the bottom of the tank that seemed to do alright. Probably could have done better if there was different lighting but I fed him enough I think to make up for it. Now I have a 168 gal. and am upgrading to T5's now after intending to go with MH. IMO T5's are just as good as MH if you have enough and they are set-up right.

06/15/2011, 03:04 PM	#12
Genaro Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 6	hi Jc i have the same 55 18 inches tall and i have a single double ended ushio and two regular 03 40 watts any advise on how high from water level and how many hours i thank u in advanced