I've Been Bitten

[sfoister]

Originally Posted by Bloke
Lighting?
Well, What do you think about a Coralife Sattelite of 130 (2x65w)?
I know the wattage is low in comparison to 250+watts, but I don't want to spend $300 on lights right now.
Those lights won't be sufficient for any corals. fish only with live rock will be fine. If lighting is not in your budget right now I would advise not rushing into things.
Also, check your local classifieds, and the okshun (yes I know it's mispelled just sound it out- lol) sites. You may be able to find the lighting there to fit within your budget.
My rule of thumb is to never buy anything at sticker price unless I have checked the

[hr]
sites and my local classified section.

 

[bloke]

Yeah - I've looked at the local sites and local stores. LFS are crazy in price. I haven't check ed the classfied, but what levels of lights do you suggest?

 

[sfoister]

Originally Posted by Bloke
Yeah - I've looked at the local sites and local stores. LFS are crazy in price. I haven't check ed the classfied, but what levels of lights do you suggest?
Yah, my LFS is crazy with their prices too.
I'll be using 4x54 watt T5's for a total of 216w on my 75g reef. I won't be keeping any hard corals, just softies. I've been told my lighting is sufficient for soft, but not hard. And borderline for anemone, so I won't be risking the death of an anemone with my setup. However, you can find good prices on 6x54 and 8x54. Without a doubt you'll be able to keep most if not all corals with a 6x54 or 8x54 on your 55g.
But, because like you I am relatively new I'm keeping it simple for a while and just getting my feet wet.. ha!
Note: My family used to keep reefs as I was growing up, but I am just getting into it myself. 70% of my knowledge is from research and reading tons of articles and books. My point I may have answers for you on certain things but I cannot speak from personal experience yet.

 

[watson3]

Originally Posted by browniebuck
We bought a used 55 in early December. On Jan 1, we added two maroon clowns, an Eibli angel (gorgeous fish!), 2 cleaner shrimp (really neat to watch). Yesterday, bought a BEAUTIFUL Naso Tang (about 4 inches), a tiny porcelain/anemone crab, and three HUGE turbo snails.
We are planning on going out tomorrow looking for another couple additions (blue hippo and possibly a psychedelic mandarin goby

Not a flame, but someone should stop you

 

[cannonman]

A lot really depends on what your goals are. If you're not sure read some more and decide what you would like to do. It's a matter of preference but I like the metal halide lighting best because with enough of it - it leaves my options open to add whatever I may want in the future. My 75 has 500watts of MH and 196 of pc acintic. My 30 just has 150watts MH and has a lot of corals that are thriving. If you really think you're going to like corals then save the money and do it the right way- T5's and VHO are viable options also if you get enough but I still like the MH best. Look at it this way: you can go a little cheaper route now but if you like the corals a lot and have to upgrade later then you haven't saved anything, you've just wasted the money on the first set of lights..

 

[sfoister]

Originally Posted by Cannonman
A lot really depends on what your goals are. If you're not sure read some more and decide what you would like to do. It's a matter of preference but I like the metal halide lighting best because with enough of it - it leaves my options open to add whatever I may want in the future. My 75 has 500watts of MH and 196 of pc acintic. My 30 just has 150watts MH and has a lot of corals that are thriving. If you really think you're going to like corals then save the money and do it the right way- T5's and VHO are viable options also if you get enough but I still like the MH best. Look at it this way: you can go a little cheaper route now but if you like the corals a lot and have to upgrade later then you haven't saved anything, you've just wasted the money on the first set of lights..
I LOVE MH's.. the problem is that not only is it expensive to buy, the bulbs are also expensive. The MH's will definately give you the most diverse solution, and they look GREAT in the tank as they reflect off of the surface. But yikes.. $600 is a lot of money. :scared: