Basics, what should I do for lighting?

jarice1978

jarice1978

Member
Okay,
I always see posts on lighting but I am still confused. Everyone's set up is different so it is hard to gauge what will work for me.
I have:
basic 55 gallon tank with standard flourecent lights(2 lights, one hood) that came with it.
Live rock
maroon clown
2 blue green chromis
1 lawnmower blenny
4 shrimp
1 star
snails
emerald crab
decorator crab
I would like to upgade so that I can have possibly a Bubble Tip Anemone. Or other types.
I am checking here to get at least 10 opinions before I start anything.
-What do I need?
-Can I use what I have and just replace the bulbs?
-Do I need to take something apart and replace it within the hoods?
-If I have to do it myself, are there any help websites or information I can look at that would make it easy to do?
I would prefer using what I have right now and converting it. But the easiest, chepest way would also work.
When replying please use the full name of the lights, and who makes them, and where I could get them.
I really want to go through with this so all information is welcome.
Thanks,
Adam
 
hurt

hurt

Active Member
If you want to keep bubble tips, you should upgrade to at least pc or vho, or if you want to keep anything MH. Bubble-tip's are not as light demanding as other anenomes, but they still need strong light. I just upgraded my lights to MH/VHO in my 55 but I used to have 260 watts of pc and I had 5 bubble-tips under the pc. They were fine with the pc, but now with the MH/VHO they seem to be much happier. Here's a pic of only the vho on.
 
sirgunther

sirgunther

Member
I have a 55 gallon tank and all i have done so far is to create my own "power compact" lighting..
I went to the hardware store and bought 3 workshop lights rated at 40 watts a light.. next i took the "tombstones" and the ballast out of these kits and threw the case away. I dont want to ramble here...
if you want a more detailed version send me an email at Sirspeedy77@msn.com ...Mark it ATTN: fish tank lighting
I belive this will meet the requirement of 4.5 watts per gallon..
For bulbs i am using two actinic, two 50/50 and two natural daylight
 
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