Lighting for New Tank

Hi All,

As some of you know I'm planning on upgrading my tank. I'm doing okay researching filters, skimmers, power heads, etc. but I'm confused on lighting. If someone could help me out I would really appreciate it!

I'm thinking about getting a 75 gallon long tank. I would like to eventually make it a reef tank (with fish). I've read online too much light can stress out the fish, bleach corals, etc. What would be a good amount of light and what type of light? What size light (inches) would I need? What's a good brand? And if I were to get a 90 gallon, what about lighting? I'm very thankful for any advice anyone can offer!

I'm trying to research online but I'm having a hard time.

Thank you!!

 

75 is 48inches long so a 48" fixture is what you wanna look at. Id look into t5's.

im gonna point you to this link for some t5s. a 4 or 6 bulb will give you a nice range on what you can keep in your future 75 gallon
Coralife 48 T5 Nova 48 inch T5 Aquarium Lighting Fixture T 5 Aquarium Light T 5 Aquarium Lighting

 

its a long tank so i believe it is five foot not sure though so might have more trouble finding lighting for it

 

KC this is the one Ive got. No complaints so far.

Current USA 48" Nova EXT Pro T5HO 6 x 54


oops... tatted beat me to it

 

Thanks a lot! I keep looking at lights online and they all look the same to me! :-/

 

Thanks! I've read good reviews about that brand. They are pretty expensive, but maybe I could find a good deal.

 

Hi KC

Is a 75 long a 4ft tank?

if so T5 x 54 watts and 6 tube would be my choice ( made that choice myself)
you could even look at an 8 tube fixture which would give you more choices on lamps
so you can have great PAR combined with aesthetics ( mess with tube combinations for a colour you like to look at whilst still keeping the needs of the corals in mind

the other option would be MH - a twin MH fixture with T5 Supplement Actinics
MH are good for 2ft - so 2 would be ideal on that size tank

MH - great lighting, good growth on corals, great at bringing out the colour of corals etc
but they generate a lot of heat, which may mean a chiller is required to maintain reasonable tank temperature

T5 - run cooler and is still being proven by many people to be capable of supporting SPS and Clams - cost of purchase is cheaper than MH as are running costs


Steve

 

to clear up any confusion a 75 is 4ft... which is 48inches long

 

Thank you tatted4ever

post editted

Steve

 

Thanks a lot for the thorough answer Steve. I'm thinking T5 because they are cheaper and I really don't want to spend money on a chiller either. I will make a pro and con list for both types though. I like to make lists!

I will use the information you gave me to do more online research. Thanks again!