need help for best lighting on a 55 gal. reef

karma · 01-12-2005, 01:11 PM

I have a 55 setup and need proper lighting for reef needs. anyone have ideas?

Matt Rogers · 01-12-2005, 02:53 PM

Do you really want the 'best?'
What corals are you planning to keep? Do you want clams? Anemones?

Most eventually go with metal halide lamps
or you could go:
1)vho
2)T5
3)PC

Thanks for joining.

karma · 01-12-2005, 05:52 PM

I haven't really thougt about coral, but would want it too. But I have a few different anemones and clams and things in mind.
I don't think I've heard of vho or t5.

I have been told told by a couple of people to use the metal halide (at least 330watt)

Bruce · 01-12-2005, 06:32 PM

well...for halides...i think depending on where u r but u should get a chiller...thats the only reason why i did not get halides...chiller for a 55 is too expensive for the size of the tank...i went with pc but t5s r good 2...i think better depending on what u want...but i would shoot for no less than 4 65w bulbs...thats what i have

Birdlady · 01-15-2005, 06:25 AM

I have MH on my 58 gallon, supplemented with VHO actinics. *My clam is just beautiful! Nor do I have any heat issues with my setup. My lights are enclosed in the hood with fans and my tank and sump are both open tops for cooling.

Most clams need very strong lighting...anemones as well. *If you are planning on keeping those, go with the MH if you can afford it.

I have them on timers to the actinics (which are blue) come on first and shut off last.

jnbahwkins · 01-15-2005, 08:16 AM

[quote author=Bruce link=board=lighting;num=1105564281;start=0#3 date=01/12/05 at 21:32:08]well...for halides...i think depending on where u r but u should get a chiller...thats the only reason why i did not get halides...chiller for a 55 is too expensive for the size of the tank...i went with pc but t5s r good 2...i think better depending on what u want...but i would shoot for no less than 4 65w bulbs...thats what i have[/quote]

Are your clams doing will under that light?
I am thinking about getting a 4x65 coralife with the moonlights.I really dont want halide due to the running cost.

Bruce · 01-15-2005, 10:44 PM

yes they r

...but i dont know if im just lucky...if not pc maybe t5s would be more powerful?

captivereefs · 01-16-2005, 06:49 AM

The coralife 4-65 hood would be fine for most softies and LPS corals but i would not put clams under it.

Bruce · 01-16-2005, 11:25 AM

well...im living proof that ur mistaken...i have had a clam and acros for around 6 months and they r thriving

Birdlady · 01-16-2005, 11:49 AM

Living proof that you may be an anomoly...

http://www.3reef.com/cgi-bin/yabb/Ya...3577989;start=