55 Gallon Owners

[stcardoza]

Hi,
I am trying to get some ideas about how to upgrade the lighting on my 55 gallon. Right now I have the 2 15 watt lights it came with so there's only 30 total watts of light right now. I would to upgrade to at least 110 - 130 watts and keep a few low light corals like mushrooms and maybe some softies.
Anyway, I have decided to go with PC's and there are a lot of choices. What I am concerned with is that the width of a standard 55 gallon is 13 inches and space on the top is very limited for lighting. I don't have a canopy and really don't want to go that route. I'd like to hear about other people with 55's and what they've done with their lighting. Any ideas and experiences will be helpful because there are just so many options with PC tank lighting. Thanks!
-Steve

 

[attml]

I am looking to set up a new MH combo soon, but I currently have a JBJ 260w PC http://www.jbjlighting.com/sys_formosa_dx.html that sits ove my 55gal. They have special leg stands that allow the light fixture to sit up about 4 inches off of the tank which allows for heat disapation. It is a good light for many corals but I am interested in keeping all varieties of SPS and PC just isn't getting it done. Good Luck!

 

[jja]

I also use the jbj's om my 55(2-96 watt bulbs) If those are the only types of corals you are going to have it should be adequate. My corals do very well with mine. Your water params will be just as important if not more than your lights. The legs it comes work fine.

 

[eelfreakrobi]

I use the Coralife 260 watts, got it at $210, and its a very good light comes with the bulbs builtin ballast and everything, have been very happy with those lights.

 

[thehat]

Where do you live? I have a used power compact that is 110 watts. Its one year old and I will sell it for 70 bucks + shipping charges. Its in good shape. although I had to change the on off switch cause it broke. But still its half the price. Two bulbs will run you almost this much. Hope I ma not doing anything illegal by posting this. You could start out with this and upgrad down the line.
I used two power compacts but just got the 260 watt jbj light system today and am not using the other power compacts anymore.
mjjj@earthlink.net

 

[travis truman]

ellfreak robi!!!!!!!!!!
what do you have under those lights......I have the same ones and im not sure what corals will survive underthem.

 

[eelfreakrobi]

Im also starting with my reef but right now I have some shrooms, since I really like shrooms and might get something else this weekend, but lots of things will survive under that light it except clams and sps. But the shrooms have done very well.

 

[thehat]

I have the 260 watt and I have mushrooms, torrch, brain, xenia, sever typs of polyops, trumpet coral, plate aneneme, buble tip, leathers, and more mush. Even had a gonipora live over a year.