Quick question on lighting. Do i have any color options?

Well, Actually I can get any sort of light I want really. We will keep this tank up and running, so no it won't be torn down.
I'm not sure on the dimensions, I agree at first it didn't look like a 50G but it is pretty wide. My teacher told me the dimensions once but I kinda forgot. Ill ask her to send me them again and let you know. This tank has a built in chiller as well.

The problem with making a fuge is space. I was thinking on maybe setting up a HOB fuge for natural filtration. I will probably set it up once the tank begins to cycle. Im basically waiting until the new fiscal year starts so that we have all this money to spend LOL. I'm ordering as much as I can with the money we had left over from last year before it resets. (its so much fun to spend someone else's money I tell you )

I was thinking metal halides for lights, but I've heard really good stories on LED lights. I have not made my decision yet, but maybe you guys can steer me in the right direction. Money isn't much of an issue. ( as long as it isn't ridiculous).

 

As for fish, I have a list already but it is subject to change.

Mated pair of clownfish ( not sure on species yet)
Mc Cosckers Wrasse
Fairy Wrasse
Firefish ( possibly helfrich firefish)
and a diamond goby or a dragon goby.

3-4 skunk cleaner shrimp and a bunch of snails from reefcleaners. ( maybe an urchin).

 

Cool project! Who's going to take care of it/them when school isn't in session? Better work that out before you get too far down the road....

 

me or any of the teachers. This tank is located at the animal biology lab. So there are plenty of instructors who will be going there regularly. Plus I live like 20 minutes away during vacations so if there is a problem I can always go.

 

Ok so here are the dimensions of the tank

Mini-Ocean Aquarium 50 gallons:Amazon:Industrial & Scientific

48 inches x 18 inches x 16 inches

I was wondering what Kind of lightning would I need to be able to maintain any sort of coral, including SPS in the lower part of the tank.

I don't have that much experience when it comes to light requirements so I would appreciate it if you guys could provide me a link to the fixtures that are ok ( or more than ok) for this.
I was thinking metal halides would be the best bet, but since I've heard really good things about LEDs.. Ill appreciate both inputs.

I would prefer if it was a fixture that has LED moonlights and a timer included. It would just make the world easier for me and my teacher.

 

Any suggestions?

 

IMO...
Go with LED..cooler and less expensive to run...plus from what I have been hearing, your generally unlimited to the content of your livestock...also the ability to adjust the overall light effects...larger spectrum of lighting variables for scientific study..Overall cost seems to now be fairly comparable to most any other system..give or take quality/name brand..i cannot help with a product suggestion, because I am, as you, looking into lighting.

 

I would go with a DIY LED set up. There are some great ones out there and there are some great threads on this site. I have a 29 gallon with 3 par 38 bulbs on it with a HOB fuge/skimmer combo that is doing really great. I have not tried any SPS coral as of yet but, my zoo's are happy, my mushrooms are reproducing and my leather coral frag's are really growing. I know all of these do not require a great amount of light but so far they are all doing really well.

Look at Boost LED's or Rapid for some good DIY lights. I have heard nothing but great feedback from them.

 

I honestly don't want to do LEDs for now actually. Especially since it's just me. I would love the Idea of a DYI but since this is at school I have to minimize that just for time's sake.

I was looking at this light fixture in marine Depot. Its a 2-250W with 2x54 T5HO and moon lights and a timer.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Hamilton...tures-Hamilton-HT01201-FILTFIMHTFDEMT-vi.html

what do you guys think?

 

Tried and true...that style has been around along time. ..can't go wrong..imo. : )