This lighting good?

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by vetteman, Apr 1, 2009.

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  1. vetteman

    vetteman Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Jonesboro, AR
    Well here is my situation. I'm currently upgrading after having a saltwater tank for 2 months from a 30 gal to a 55 gal. My brother-in-law gave me his lights as he isn't using them. After my tank gets up and running for a bit i would like to add some soft beginner corals. Do I need to upgrade lights? I have the following:

    (2) 48'' 32 watt All Glass Aquarium lights
    (1) 48'' 40 watt Marine Glow light

    Thanks,

    Casey
     
    vetteman, Apr 1, 2009
    vetteman, Apr 1, 2009
    #1

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  2. RHorton

    RHorton Pajama Cardinal

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    yes you will need to upgrade your lights. those will not provide enough lite for corals even softies.
     
    RHorton, Apr 1, 2009
    RHorton, Apr 1, 2009
    #2
  3. vetteman

    vetteman Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    suggestions?
     
    vetteman, Apr 1, 2009
    vetteman, Apr 1, 2009
    #3
  4. RHorton

    RHorton Pajama Cardinal

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    well it falls down to either:
    pc(power compacts) - which are phasing out
    T5-HO - very popular
    MH- the best you can get

    each have there pros and cons but i would stay away from the pc's.
    It depends allot on what you want to spend and do you ever want to keep LPS or SPS corals in the future?
     
    RHorton, Apr 1, 2009
    RHorton, Apr 1, 2009
    #4
  5. vetteman

    vetteman Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    what do the t5's cost? seen a lot of talk about how their the best. What would be the best combo for me to get? Like i said i will eventually get into soft corals. Tank is a 55 gal with about 90 lbs of LR.
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2009
    vetteman, Apr 1, 2009
    vetteman, Apr 1, 2009
    #5
  6. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

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    Well, you get what you pay for in lighting and skimming. And it is important NOT to skimp on either. The best T5 unit for the price IMO is the TEK. For a 55g, I would run a 4x54W. The link is priced with UVL bulbs (yes, it does matter what brand of bulb you put in) which are high quality. What is NOT included is the acrylic shield (which you need) as well as legs/hanging apparatus. Here is the link to the best priced TEKs I have seen.

    http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_Light_Fixtures/48_inch__4x54W_Tek_Light_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply
     
    PharmrJohn, Apr 2, 2009
    PharmrJohn, Apr 2, 2009
    #6

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  7. vetteman

    vetteman Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Thanks for the info. I'm going to let my tank settle in for a month or 2 and then take the hit in the pocket for some lighting!
     
    vetteman, Apr 2, 2009
    vetteman, Apr 2, 2009
    #7
  8. Stingray

    Stingray Blue Ringed Angel

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    As pharmrjohn suggested the 4x54 would be great for fish and soft corals, but be warned if you get the coral bug like i and most of us did on 3reef and decide to keep some sps or even some lps & clams the mh is the way, if not t5's are good, i had them for a year and upgraded to mh due to the more demanding corals, i will never go back...

    Good luck and keep us posted...
     
    Stingray, Apr 2, 2009
    Stingray, Apr 2, 2009
    #8