converting to reef tank

[randall]

Hi,
I have a 55 gallon tank with two common clown fish, a purple tang, a royal gramma, a firefish gobie and a hermit crab. The tank is well established. I've had it active for three years.
I have about 30 gallons of live rock.
I'd like to convert this to a reef tank so that I can add a pinktipped anemony.
Is this possible by simply adding a new hood capable of taking 2 bulbs? I understand one of the lights needs to be white and the other purple. Is that correct too?
I'm also told the standard size for a hood on a 55 gallon tank is 48". How is that measured? I measured the hood I have on my tank now and it is only 28" from left to right.
Finally, I don't have live sand. I have pebbles instead. Does that work for a reef tank or do I need live sand?
Please advise.
Thank you

 

[rbaldino]

Just adding a second standard flourescent light isn't going to do it. You need appropriate high powered lighting, like VHO, PCs, metal halide, etc. And yes, get rid of those pebbles.

 

[xcdennisx]

yah your going to need some good pc or mh lights, it all depends on what kind of corals your goin to keep in your tank

 

[aztec reef]

look into t'5 lighting or pc's at least.. also you want to start looking into removing the tang before you go reef. it already doesn't have enuff room. first thing is first. remove tang then add sand and live rock.

 

[randall]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll definately follow it.
About removing the purple tang, it's only about an inch long. I've had it more than a year. How big do you see it getting?
Randall

 

[aztec reef]

for the same reason that it's been 1" for longer than a year that means that he's not getting enuf exercise to have full potential growth. tangs love to swim and imo that tank doesn't provide enuff room.