Lighting for my reef tank

swiftmarkymark

swiftmarkymark

New Member
Hello everyone. Im new to this site. I have about 2 years experience with saltwater tanks but im new to reef tanks and im still unfamiliar with some of the terms on here lol. I have recently started a 36g reef tank. I was wondering if you guys can tell me what the BEST kind of lighting is for growing soft corals and making them look full and have lots of color. I have seen some of the tanks on here, and they are really healthy with lots of good coraline algea. How can i get my tank to look really healthy like you alls? I would really appreciate it everyone. I want to see some of your reef tanks so if you can post pictures i would greatly appreciate it
 
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siptang

Guest
Well my tank is here.
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/forum/newestpost/387209
I'm pretty experienced on tanks in general but fairly new to the reef as well.
Lighting wise, nothing beats metal halides unless you go to really expensive LED light systems.
If you have PC lights, going with bulbs with blue inside will bring out more colors from the coral but will not enhance the growth of them because spectrum of light is different. I usually go with 50/50 bulb and it does look much better.
I recently got a metal halide set up and I'm planning to change my existing pc bulb into a pure blue one to change the color of the tank a bit.
Coraline algae, there are kits for it if you are in a hurry but in time and right level of calcium and iodine(?) you should have it growing every where.
 
swiftmarkymark

swiftmarkymark

New Member
wow beautiful tank!! i was thinking about metal halides but they are out of my price range. i just recently got a new light for my tank but im not liking the color, i want the color of your tank and the light i have has good wattage (60 watts) but isnt the color i would prefer (the color of your light in your tank i like alot) and it wasnt really giving my coral a good color. i was thinking about just changing the bulbs. any suggestions on what bulbs? i had a eclipse top on it before i got the new one with one acnitic [sp?] but took it off because it wasnt a high enough wattage. and i heard about the products like Purple Up but was unsure if i should get it because i dont really want a big mess of algea. i like the red and like purplish algea. i will post pics of my tank.
 
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siptang

Guest
Thanks for the nice comment. I'm very proud of my tank but I know it's far from perfect or come close to many of the members here.
I'm thinking about that one for my dad's 29 hex but that really doesn't give out enough power for any type of corals...
I actually was able to get the metal halides on craigslist for 60 bucks which is about the same cost of that t5 fixture... I was lucky I know but you need to take your time and look around for deals.
 
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siptang

Guest
no problemo~ I would like for you to have a great deal like me and enjoy all the different corals.
 
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