Coral Lighting Help

bigpapa

bigpapa

Member
So, I am going to be setting up a 125 gallon(6'x24"deep) soon and needed some lighting help. I want to try to introduce coral to my tank as right now my smaller dt is fowlr. I dont know alot about adequate lighting for corals other than it is alot stronger and more penatrating. Since this is new to me I am not trying to break the bank but yet I would like to get all the info I can so I will be able to make an informed determination on which way to go. I have seen alot of different choices on here but really want to get specific on a direction soon--set up is within 3 weeks.
Thanks for any and all help!!
 
mr_x

mr_x

Active Member
hi. what corals will you be keeping? different corals need different lighting.
if i was setting up a 125, depending on how many cross braces you have, i'd probably go with a fixture that has 3 x 250 watt halides, and actinic suppliment.(if money is no object, i'd try to find a fixture that has T-5's for actinic suppliment, instead of compact flourescent)
if you have only 1 center brace, that changes things. do you have a canopy, or will this fixture be seen in plain sight?
 
bigpapa

bigpapa

Member
Originally Posted by Mr_X
http:///forum/post/2628104
hi. what corals will you be keeping? different corals need different lighting.
if i was setting up a 125, depending on how many cross braces you have, i'd probably go with a fixture that has 3 x 250 watt halides, and actinic suppliment.(if money is no object, i'd try to find a fixture that has T-5's for actinic suppliment, instead of compact flourescent)
if you have only 1 center brace, that changes things. do you have a canopy, or will this fixture be seen in plain sight?
It has 2 cross braces. I plan on building a canopy(my first attempt). As far as corals--that part I am not really sure yet--the only one I know what it is called that I know I want is a hammer. Oh, and I like those purple/blue clams-- I think maximas they are called. LOL I know kind of vague but that is at the point I am at right now.
 
mr_x

mr_x

Active Member
if you are building a canopy, purchase 3 x 250 watt halides(retro kits), and 2 x 54 watt t-5's should do the trick for actinic suppliment.
you will be able to keep anything you want, from zoos to clams.

i bought sunlight supply "galaxy" electronic ballasts for my tank. they seem ok. one quit on me recently, and they sent me a new one right away. 4 year warranty.
the t-5's don't need to be over-driven, because they are only for actinic suppliment, so i went with a retro kit with an advance ballast. it came with individual reflectors.
as for bulbs, that will be your personal preference. i have 14k hamiltons on the outer portions of my tank, and i'm not real happy with them. that's the best i can tell you about 250 watters (i have more experience with 400 watt lamps)
 
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