Total Newbie

Okay, but will the coralife do for now (really need something cheap:-X:-/) if I have just a few sps or lps, whatever mushrooms and rics fall under (sorry, like I said, don't know anything and I am becoming more confused)
Anyway divott, 2in10 or whoever could you outline:
ks (ex 60000k)
watts and what it means for coral
(Research at this point is not helping...)

 

Hi the panfish

you can fit a 4 x 54 watt canopy over that sized tank , which would give you adequate light for the corals you mention and then even more beside

whilst many people at start up, will go for the less demanding /easier coral species such as shrooms, GSP, button polyps etc - a very large % of those people, will want to progress to experience lots of other species of corals

so limiting yourself on lighting now, may mean you need to buy twice anyway, when later on in becomes apparent, that the light you purchased will not accomodate the corals you want to keep.

I fully understand the limitations on budget, having been in the same position myself when I 1st decided to swap from FW to SW and corals, in my 20s (Young family and a basic salary)

If I where in your position now, I would be checking the classifieds on here and Craigs list etc - looking for a quality brand 4 lamp canopy - TEK for example but there are others

if you spend a bit more now, it could work out cheaper in the long run IME

Steve

 

i really cant see the 2 x 28 watts really expanding your coral keeping. sps you definitely couldnt . softies , zoas palys , shrooms you should be ok. im not sure about some of the lps either.

steve beat me, but said it the best. listen to da man.

 

What if I replace the bulbs with T5HO?
Or leave the atnics on the 2 bulb and add a t5HO?