Lighting help for the noob...lol

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by pks4life420, Jul 29, 2009.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 2
  1. pks4life420

    pks4life420 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    Messages:
    151
    Location:
    Central Florida
    ok So I have a tank that is L36"xW12"xH20" I was wondering what would be the proper type of lights I should get.....Of course I would want the cheaper ones but what is the basic watt I'll need and What type andwhatever else you think I should know....Everyones input on the basic of lighting would be awsome....I throw karma like rain falls in fl....lol....yeah but any help would be very appreciated I will treasure for years to come....But really this site has helped me so much.....any basic lighting info would be great...thanks a million
     
    pks4life420, Jul 29, 2009
    pks4life420, Jul 29, 2009
    #1
    1 person likes this.

    2. Click Here!

  2. pks4life420

    pks4life420 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    Messages:
    151
    Location:
    Central Florida
    forgot to say I was going to get a few softy and herd guys....(corals)
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2009
    pks4life420, Jul 29, 2009
    pks4life420, Jul 29, 2009
    #2
  3. pks4life420

    pks4life420 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    Messages:
    151
    Location:
    Central Florida
    anyone?
     
    pks4life420, Jul 30, 2009
    pks4life420, Jul 30, 2009
    #3
  4. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2007
    Messages:
    2,121
    Location:
    Manchester UK
    a 4 to 6 bulb T5 light fixture would be ideal!
     
    phoenixhieghts, Jul 30, 2009
    phoenixhieghts, Jul 30, 2009
    #4
  5. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    May 30, 2008
    Messages:
    3,677
    does the tank have a center brace?
     
    Daniel072, Jul 30, 2009
    Daniel072, Jul 30, 2009
    #5
  6. pks4life420

    pks4life420 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    Messages:
    151
    Location:
    Central Florida
    yes it does have a brace on it
     
    pks4life420, Jul 30, 2009
    pks4life420, Jul 30, 2009
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. divott

    divott Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2009
    Messages:
    3,658
    Location:
    holland landing, ontario ,canada
    since on a budget by the sounds of it , a 4 x 54 t5 setup should do you well. you will have enough wattage for the type corals you want. if possible try not to skrimp on your lights as much as possible.
     
    divott, Jul 30, 2009
    divott, Jul 30, 2009
    #7
  8. pks4life420

    pks4life420 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    Messages:
    151
    Location:
    Central Florida
    Thats what they all tell me...I want to make my own lights but I'm not sure of the ballast I need I want al leats 4 light put together any help will be nice
     
    pks4life420, Jul 30, 2009
    pks4life420, Jul 30, 2009
    #8
  9. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

    Joined:
    May 24, 2009
    Messages:
    5,926
    Location:
    Colorado
    I agree sounds like 4 T5's would do you best. You could also look into retro MH lights if your into building your own stuff.
     
    mikejrice, Jul 30, 2009
    mikejrice, Jul 30, 2009
    #9
    2 people like this.
  10. mattheuw1

    mattheuw1 Montipora Capricornis

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2009
    Messages:
    1,046
    Location:
    SE Wisconsin
    I would suggest a simple 4 bulb T5 fixture 39wx4 bulbs with individual bulb reflectors. If you have a canopy then I would suggest a 4 bulb retrofit. A retrofit is basically all of the parts that would be in a fixture (ballasts, waterproof endcaps, bulbs, and individual reflectors for each bulb), without the fixture. Most people that get retrofits attach mount them to their canopy. Expect to spend around $250 on lighting. Keep the questions coming!
     
    mattheuw1, Jul 30, 2009
    mattheuw1, Jul 30, 2009
    #10
    1 person likes this.
Page 1 of 2