Lighting for Fish-only with LR

[paulkai]

I never really thought about this. I have a 55g tank just sitting around and my roommate wants to buy it and start his own tank. He doesn't want any corals, basically a fish only, but he does want LR in his tank. What kind of lighting is required for a tank that will have no corals but will have LR?

 

[kelly]

Most any lighting will do, but I would recommend something like 10,000K flourescent. The only problem with using any cheap old flourescent may be algae. Anything above that would not hurt.

 

[paulkai]

Thanks Kelly!!! Any other opinions would be great!

 

[nosmada]

i would definately try and stay away from the lower wattage lighting because of the greater chances of algae growth. as kelly stated a couple 40watt 10k would be pretty nice. then maybe supplement with another 40watt actinic for asthetics. one thing to remember is there lifespan is about 1 year then they should be changed. after that they start to loose there value and you will notice your algae may start growing.
hth,
chris

 

[predator]

Look into bulbs by coralife or uri.They make the bulbs Kelly is describing(though there are others).Lpus they are readily available and affordable.