Need help..

Hey to all, new to the forum.

I've started working on a marine aquarium. I have some stuff that was given to me from a guy that did displays in stores around town as advertisement for his marine life company. (had an aquarium at our jewelry store)..

he just had live rock and a couple clowns in the tank.. but i'd like to put some beginner type corals in the tank i'm setting up, such as button polyps.

i'm wanting to know if the lighting i have for my 55 gallon tank is sufficient...

i have what was given to me..

a GLO T5HO linear flourescent system.. 48" 2x54W
with a..
LIFE GLO 54W 6700K flourescent bulb
and a..
POWER GLO 54W 18000 flourescent Bulb

Appreciate any help!!

 

Button polyps would be ok for those lights , also mushrooms, star polyps would also be ok.
most of the soft corals would probably be fine for that lighting but that is about it.with that being said I think you are limited to the types of corals you can keep.The type of lights you have ,T5's, are good but usually on a 55 I would recommend 4 to 6 bulbs of t5's.

IMO You might what to change out the 6700k bulb for a true atinic T5ho 460nm.

 

hey thanks for the quick reply!

like i said i was donated just about everything i have..

that particular lighting setup..
a fluval 304 filter
a protien skimmer
60lbs of live rock
the 55 gal tank

i've had it set up for a month or so, all the params are good to go.. i was just looking to maybe get some coral to make it more ... wow! hehe..

whats your opinion of the..
48 inch Current USA SunDial T5 HO 4x54W w/ Timers & LED

Lighting System – Total Control

• Individually contoured reflectors for maximum light intensity
• Dual integrated timers and automatic photocell for dawn/dusk and lunar lighting control
• Cool running, performance-driven electronic ballasts
• European style high output T5 lamps
• Rear-mounted fans designed for standard aquarium canopy installations
• Dimensions 48.125" x 9.5" x 3.75"

comes the particular flourescents you commented about. all the reviews are good from the sites i've been researching. if its a good setup and you guys on here think it would be a good investment for future coral projects i want to get it..

so if any one thinks i'm missing anything or should improve certain things please comment or suggest products! i'll post picturesasap, just need to steal my digital camera back from the girlfriend!