Newbie lighting question

[mguiling]

A friend heard me say I was thinking of starting an aquarium, and found a 100 gal for dirt cheap. Several hundred $ later, it is up and running. I used BeanAnimal's overflow design - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1310585 and have had my tank running for a little over a week.

Filling the tank - Filling_small.jpg

So far I have 1 2 lamp 10k T5 HO fixture. Since my tank is narrow (weir takes 5"), placing another fixture on top is a a problem.
What I'm thinking of doing is purchasing a Kessil A150W 10000K Special Blend LED Aquarium Light - Sky Blue with the goosneck attachment and pointing it through the front right side of the glass at the pile of Key Largo rock on the left side of the aquarium. (Spotlighting the area I plan to add coral to).

My thinking is
1. It will be a while before I can fill the aquarium with coral, so why light the whole thing for the few pieces I can afford.
2. I can put mushrooms and other low light plants under the t5 only.
3. I can get light underneath my weir, which is made of smoked glass and blocks light shining from above.

Any thoughts on my design are appreciated, pro or con.

Mike

[NakedClown]

I did the same thing on my first tank, started with PC though and went to a 2 lamp t5 and then eventually went to a 2x 250W MH pendant. If your tank is still cycling you have time to think about it. LED's are nice and produce little heat. i have seen the Kessil 150W and one is just enough to light a 40 breeder. I would atlesat get 2 if you are going to go that route.

From what i have learned, i wouldnt add corals untillyou get the light that will support what you want to have. You simple just cant change lights and whalaa. Corals have to adapt to the new light gradually over time.

Also saving your money and investing in a good LED light system or MH pendants is better then buy a bunch of mushroom and lower light corals. Get the equipment first. That is what i find to be the best way. once you have all the equipment your stocking is much easier and less stressfull.

Take in mind thats only my opinion. Other vary depending on what people have and want in there tank. On my new 40 breeder tank i have a 250W Metal halide. Just food for thought.

[snupa]

i started with a 2 bulb T5 when I first got my tank. I think if you plan on keeping fish only that should be perfectly fine. when you're ready to upgrade you can spend more on the lights and maybe LED's. With corals, I wouldn't recommend adding any until your tank is more stable which is about 6months so you have plenty of time to figure out what kind of light you are interested in until then. For now, T5 are perfectly OK even if it's only 2 bulbs.

PS: im all for T5's even for coral growing. When you're ready and your tank is ready for more light, consider T5's with more bulbs and that are well built. While they don't give the 'shimmering' effect many want, they don't consume much electricity and are very tested out.

[mguiling]

Thanks Clown,
Like you said, I'm just biding my time until the thing finishes cycling, probably overthinking it. I'm new to this, what is a 40 breeder?

[mguiling]

Snupa,
6 months before adding coral? I like that idea. Could I do anemones, toadstools and/or tube worms while I'm waiting?

[Zappo]

Soft corals are ok, but anemones and the larger tube worms should wait until the tank is a bit older and more stable.

[NakedClown]

Originally Posted by mguiling

Thanks Clown,
Like you said, I'm just biding my time until the thing finishes cycling, probably overthinking it. I'm new to this, what is a 40 breeder?

just a 40 gallon tank its 36x18x17 and im running a 250w metal halide to light it

[mguiling]

Thanks Clown