what do you all suggest

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by turbo4603, Oct 31, 2003.

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  1. turbo4603

    turbo4603 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Hey gang, im joe, new to this forum. im just starting a saltwater aquarium and have bought
    *40 gal. perfecto fishtank
    *millenium 3000 filter
    *40 lb of L-sand (bout 1.5 inches i guess)

    What else do i need.
    Wut lights do you all recomend? Anyone selling any?
    im on a really tight budget so please be considerate.

    thanx
     
    turbo4603, Oct 31, 2003
    turbo4603, Oct 31, 2003
    #1

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  2. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

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    Hey,

    Welcome Joe! Click on the Steps above, read away, and then ask any specifics that you need clarification on!

    HTH
     
    Craig Manoukian, Oct 31, 2003
    Craig Manoukian, Oct 31, 2003
    #2
  3. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    [flash=468,60]http://www.3reef.com/fish/sitepics/threesteps3.swf[/flash]

    I say blow your money on a good light and save for a skimmer.

    Welcome to 3reef! 8)
     
    Matt Rogers, Oct 31, 2003
    Matt Rogers, Oct 31, 2003
    #3
  4. turbo4603

    turbo4603 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    turbo4603, Nov 1, 2003
    turbo4603, Nov 1, 2003
    #4
  5. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

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    You will need watts and intensity to reach highly photosynthetic animals at the bottom of the tank. Corals, anenomes, and clams require the intensity that is provided by MH lightning. 75 watts of MH lighting are more intense than 75 watts of PC lighting.

    Using 5 watts per gallon as a rule of thumb, you need 200+ watts of lighting. At least 150 watts at 10,000k from MH lighting with 80 watts of actinic for supplementation would work pretty well.

    Shallower tanks can get away with less intensity.

    HTH
     
    Craig Manoukian, Nov 1, 2003
    Craig Manoukian, Nov 1, 2003
    #5
  6. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

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    I agree with Craig (as I usually do, Smart guy)
    I started with PC lighting on my 75G and soon found my interests growing to corals that would not survive under such lights. Most LFS will tell you that the coral you are about to buy will do fine under PC lighting, But the fact of the matter is they may live but thrive they will not.

    Check these out
    I'm not saying that these prices or this store would be the best but you can get some info from it.

    Also do you have and Live Rock. Your post did not mention any. I would suggest about 40-lbs

    J
     
    Jason McKenzie, Nov 1, 2003
    Jason McKenzie, Nov 1, 2003
    #6

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  7. turbo4603

    turbo4603 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    thanx, i finished purchasing that light that has 192 watts,
    *1-96 watt Actinic and 1-96 watt 10,000K™ Compact Fluorescent ,
    this morning for $185.00. and im planing to buy live rock and water (already mixed) next weekend with my next paychek. hopefully i will be able to use all 150 bucks. remember im 16 and dont really work ,do to school. so i do other peoples chores for money.

    thanx
     
    turbo4603, Nov 1, 2003
    turbo4603, Nov 1, 2003
    #7
  8. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

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    You will be able to have leathers, mushrooms, polyps, and some lower light corals with that set-up. Will have to shy away from most SPSa and LPS corals, clams, and anenomes for now. Like Jakets said, upgrades are part of the shoestring budget game!. Good luck and keep us posted!
     
    Craig Manoukian, Nov 1, 2003
    Craig Manoukian, Nov 1, 2003
    #8
  9. turbo4603

    turbo4603 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    emberrased to ask but what is SPSa and LPS corals mean. i kind of dont get those abreviation. sorry

    Thanx Joe
     
    turbo4603, Nov 1, 2003
    turbo4603, Nov 1, 2003
    #9
  10. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

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    SPS = small Polyp Stony Coral
    LPS = Large Polyp Stony Coral

    An SPS would be like a Acroporia or Montipora capricornis ( they don't really have common names

    LPS would be a Bubble Coral or a Brain

    Jason
     
    Jason McKenzie, Nov 1, 2003
    Jason McKenzie, Nov 1, 2003
    #10
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