I need better lighting.

[srothenberg]

Right now I have a 75 gallon tank with 4x65 watts PC lighting. I've been told I don't have enough lighting to keep corals, atleast on anything but the top. I am looking for advice. Do I need the 2x250 watt MH with the 4x54 watt T5 setups? Will it be noticeably brighter then what I have now? I think my tank is plenty bright now but evidently its not.

 

[bizzmoneyb]

Yea PCF's arent great for certain types of corals. Your basic Zoo's and softies would be ok in the upper half of the tank but with the more delicate stuff it wont be enough.
Either upgrading to a T-5HO or Metal halide would be much more sufficient. Make sure the T5 has "individual reflectors." Its not just if it appears bright, its the amount of light being reflected into the tank and not being wasted.
If you can afford it go with the metal halides. If not, you can get a decent T5 HO setup for probably the same amount you purchased the PC's for.

 

[wattsupdoc]

Some body lied to you.

Well, they didn't know the truth to tell it at least. Your PC's will allow you to keep many types of coral, not just softies, but many LPS's too. You cant keep clams, anemone's, and most SPS's though. Placement will be an issue, but your not just limited to the top.

So no need to upgrade if your happy with keeping these. There are tons of nice looking corals that you can keep. However an upgrade in lighting would allow you to keep everything and not worry. You wouldn't necessarily need MH, but at least 6 4 foot T5's on a 75, with individual reflectors. Do some searching here there are many, many, many threads regarding T5's and MH light setups.

 

[srothenberg]

That's good news. I may try some stuff. I was really hoping to get an anemone because of my clowns. I may look into better lighting, but the thing is I plan on going with a bigger tank down the road and I'm not sure I want to drop $900 on lighting for my little 75 yet.

 

[wattsupdoc]

Be sure to research before you buy. Anything that needs moderate or high lighting stay away from. Medium to low, you should be OK. Placement will be important. If you decide to upgrade a MH retro kit can grow with you. 2, 250's right now, use your PC's as actinic if you like. Then if the tank grows longer, add another MH retro.

 

[msch1999]

I had 4X65W power compacts in my 72 bow front, and didn't have any prob's with zoas,mushrooms, and even candy cane. In my tank I kept the zoas and mushrooms all over, and kept the candy cane about middle to top third.I did have a RBT anemone also , but it wasn't for a long period of time, then I upgraded to 2 250W DE HQI. Hopes this helps