convert fish to reef

[dag697]

I have been in the hobby for about 5 years with a 70 gal fish and invert tank. i use a carbon filter and recently an aqua-c protien skimmer. Lighing is provided by two tritons and a coralife 50/50 florecents. There is a large amount of base rock in the tank that provides most of the biological filtration. i am interested in converting to a reef tank and keeping corals without adding expensive lighting. Is the lighing sufficient, and what additives should I use to replace the protein skimmmer's take? Thanks!

 

[ja]

VHO bulbs are great for reef tanks. This stands for "very high output" and use a standard of 7 to 10 watts per gallon. These VHO bulbs enable you to mimic high intensity daylight that corals need.

 

[clownfish]

You really need to upgrade lighting. It will cost a lot, but worth it. Four NO bulbs are not enough for a 70 reef tank. I have some possible choices:
Metal Halide Systems:
1. 2 175w 14K MH. This would be a good choice, but you could do better than this.
2. 2 250w 14K MH. This would be enough for just about anything. My best MH idea for you, and it combines high intensity with manageable heat.
3. 2 400w 14K MH. This would put your tank in a somewhat rarefied realm of awesome lite
4. 3 400w 14K MH. VERY GOOD.
5. 2 1000w MH. World class, but hotter than you would like to think. Big chiller with these big old bulbs.
Power Compacts:
1. 4x96w PC. Enough for tons of stuff, even some SPS and some clams. My parents will get me this system after I buy my 55.
2. 6x96w PC. This is what I would use on a 70 myself. PCs produce considerably less heat than MH.
VHO:
1. 4 110w: 2 50/50, 2 act.
2. 6 110w: 3 50/50, 3 act.