BIG TIME noob on LIGHTING

Once again..I need some brain stimulation....Ok, so some of you know that I used to have a fresh water tank...not I'm new with the salty...I've posted pictures of my canopy and light....my question is: can I use the single fluorecent light bulb strip I have now, but with a better bulb if I want to keep some corals, plants and fish...I haven't got the slighest clue about the differences between LPS, FPS and soft corals...so bare with me :-[ ....Anyway, like I said before, can I keep this light strip with a suitable light bulb? According to this website, my light strip is compatible with these bulbs (btw, this website's got some great prices) Aquarium Lighting: All-Glass Strip Lights Compatible Standard Fluorescent Light Bulbs

And here's a picture of my canopy and light strip...cheap I know. :-[

Also, should I keep the tank WITHOUT a lid? as you can see from the pictures, it's a glass lid. Thanks again guys. bye

 

No that light wouldn't support anything at all. I mean pretty much NOTHING. Except maybe aiptasia anemones, and you don't want those.

LPS Corals = Large Polyp Stony - for example a hammer coral, frogspawn, or plate coral (google those for examples).

I don't think there is such a thing as FPS, you're prolly thinking of SPS, which = Small Polyp Stony - acropora, montipora, pocillopora, and those guys need T5s or MHs MINIMUM to survive.

Soft corals - colt coral, leathers, xenia - those guys can survive easily under PCs (power compacts), but PCs are kind of getting out dated if you ask me, especially with the release of T5s.

So it depends on what kinds of corals you want to get down the road, but if I were you I wouldn't invest in anything less than T5s. That's just my $0.02. MHs are always the best choice but also the most expensive and T5s can get you by pretty well compared to MHs (metal halides, in case you didn't know).

 

Will it at least support the LR and fish only? with a 10k bulb that is....I'm asking, 'cause as a beginner, I don't really want to get into corals yet...maybe anemonies. So will a coralife high intensity 10k bulb installed in this ligh fixture support what I just described?...

BTW Brandon, seems we have the same shape/size tank...any chance you can post a pic so I can see what it looks like...for research/pointers purposes. Thanks...

 

LOL it seems I may have to shut down my whole project after all..with the money I've spent in LS, LR, heater, etc...I can't afford those expensive lights right now...I thought the proper light bulb (the coralife 10k) would do the trick for LR and fish only for now....oh well. Thanks anyway guys.

 

at least run it with what light you have so it can cycle and stabilize a bit, i am running my 55gal on regular lights for the time being too.
save as you go, check evilbay or other spots.
T5 Tek Light 4x54 watt Fixture 48" Free Shipping - (eBay item 120159200298 end time Oct-06-07 15:14:03 PDT)
Tek 48" 4x54 watt T5 HO 4 Lamp Fixture Package New - (eBay item 7760971811 end time Oct-12-07 20:01:34 PDT)
NovaExtreme 48" 4x54 watt T5HO Model # 1122 - (eBay item 280159304707 end time Oct-09-07 17:55:05 PDT)


i am originally from Richmond, Ca, BTW

 

When I started my 75 it only had standard flourcents but, it was FOWLR and everything did fine, I even grew some coraline. My advice is to be patient because if you try to move too fast all you will do is spend more money trying to fix the mistakes. There are alot of people on this site that know alot and can give some really good advice. So read and ask tons of questions someone will answer and be glad to help.
Also when you buy equipment dont cheap out cuz again you will pay more in the long run.

 

Try this light fixture
48" 760W Metal Halide Aquarium Reef Light w/ FREE Ship;D

 

Clownfish, I've been trying for 6 years to keep an anemone for my clown and the only one I can keep with the 10k bulbs is a flower anemone and it won't host a clownfish. I've tried a few other really nice anemone's like the one in my icon only for them to die about 2 weeks later... Everything in my tank tests perfect, so I figure they just need a higher intensity of light. Save up your money and get MH's! I think in the long run you won't kick yourself in the butt as so many other's, like myself have. Is your tank up and running? If yes then keep it the way it is until you save the $$ for good lights. I don't think it'll hurt it to keep cycling without lights for a few months(anyyone...will it??)

 

I've been able to squeeze 200 bucks for lighting...out of the blue this afternoon a client finally paid dues (im a computer tech guy)just in time, i was gonna go rob a 7eleven lol.....Anyway, I was thinking about this particular one...has anybody used it at all and if so, is it any good?T-5 Aquarium Lighting: Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights

One more thing, my tank's 36 inches long...does the light have to mach this measurement? or does it have to be shorter in length?

 

This is the one I would choose and it's MH so you can collect anything in you tank you want(within space limits)

Odyssea 36" Aquarium Metal Halide Light 442W NEW! - (eBay item 300157617476 end time Oct-09-07 21:06:27 PDT)