Suggestions on a new set up / upgrade

We purchased a 75 gallon deep blue rimless tank and we are trying to figure out what to get as for lights and maybe other necessary / nice additions to make it an environment for our coral to thrive.

We currently have a 46 bowfront and plan on using what's in it to get the next tank started and hoping to have it set up before our family comes in for thanksgiving.

Any thought and don't be negative or ask a million of un-necessary questions please.

Thanks in advanced.

 

What kind of corals do you have?
What light do you currently have?

With a 75, I would go with a 6 bulb T-5 fixture. That should be able to grow SPS on the deck if you like.

I am a fan of ATI.
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5..._6x54W_SunPower_T5_High-Output_Fixture_by_ATI

 

I have a 6X54W that I only use 4 bulbs on my 75 because it was bleaching my LPS, softies and encrusting corals. Green pigments also were lost. Should be able to grow SPS on the deck with the 4 bulb unit also. The only draw back is coverage due to the fewer bulbs. Might want to substitute actinics in for blues if you go 6 bulbs.

 

So currently we have an elegance, 3 brains, greenstars, hammer, palm polyps, zoas, mushrooms and a flower pot. We plan on getting more with the new tank and not sure what will be the additions but yea, just wanting some solid advice, sites to look into, experience on lighting/knowledge, led's, halides, etc. We are still new at this so we NEED the HELP to get us moving in the right directions.

Thank again!!!!! We are super excited!!!!

 

With those corals... a good 4 bulb setup is perfect.
I would make sure that your fixture has individual reflectors, and get some good bulbs. ATI, UVL, Geismann... are good bulb brands. There are other, just can't think of them right now.


Halides.... Unless you NEED the shimmer, then it is not worth it IMO on a 75. I run them, but my tank is super deep. You have do deal with a ton of heat too.

I know hardly anything on LEDs except that they are super expensive, but do look promising.

 

Would a 4 bulb set up work even when I add more coral? What would I be looking for as in wattage? Thanks for the help!!! )

 

So we found a light on ebay and want some opinions.. Its a 48" with 4 54w-T5 and 2-250w Halides and 2 LED moonlight clusters..

48' Halide 250 T5 HO Aquarium Reef Light Moonlights NEW - eBay (item 170564177379 end time Nov-14-10 10:29:32 PST)

 

I have always had good luck with these guys.

2 x 150W MHL with 2 x 2bulbs 4Ft Fixture

 

This is the light I just got for my 125g. Trust me when I say WAY TOO MUCH for a 75. As it is on my 125 it looks like a spaceship in my room... I feel that 150w metal Halides are the right size for a 75g if your going the halide root. On my 75g I have a 4 x 54w t5 fixture and I always wished I went with a 6 bulb. However, if you go the MH root, 2 150w MH and 2 t5 should work well.

 

Lol. Really good to know and thanks. We have been shopping around for stands and lights everyday.