Lighting question

[pattycake]

I have a 55 quarium that I purchased at Wal-mart. It came with 2 lights that holds 2 18-20"(?) long bulbs. Can I use the bulbs that I would need for corals/anemones in these fixtures? Or am I going to have to buy the whole thing?
:notsure:

 

[bang guy]

Those fixtures are fine for fish. If you want corals you'll need a new set of lights.

 

[biggie18]

No..those lights are not near what you need. They only put out about .22 watts per gallon and you need anywhere from 3.5 to 8 to grow corals and anemones. I found a used power compact for $150 and it gives me 4.7 watts per gal. But if you have the cash you should just go with an Ice-Cap and some VHO bulbs.

 

[pattycake]

I know that I will need new bulbs but do they make them to fit the fixtures that I have and will it be enough light? I will have two sets of 2 bulbs that are 18-20 inches long. Or do the bulbs I need only come in long 3-4 ft size?

 

[biggie18]

No, there are no lights that will work with the basic fixture that you have now. Its not the bulbs thats the problem its whats powering the bulbs. There is a bulb that you can get that claims it gives 40% extra light from a basic fixture but still not enough for reef acomodations. Look for a 48" power compact unit, for starters...I once found one with 4 newer bulbs, 2 fans, moon lights, 2 light switches...etc for $150 used. Or if you plan on upgrading look into a Ice-cap and MH's. Basically if you want lighing for coral/anemones you will be spending a couple hundred bucks.

 

[pattycake]

OK!! Thanks Biggie18, sorry for the double talk I am like everyone else, want the best for less. Guess your right, couple of hundred and I will be there!

 

[pattycake]

At my LFS yesterday. Checking into lights. They handle "Corallife". Does anyone know about these?

 

[pattycake]

URI? Can you explain? Is this the bulb or the fixture?

 

[bang guy]

URI = Ultraviolet Resources International = It's a company that makes high end flourescent light bulbs.

 

[biggie18]

The coralife bulbs are the "40% extra light" bulbs. They have a built in reflector and either way no matter what bulb you put in your fixture theres not enough power for reef life. You will need to buy a power compact or a ballast with VHO bulbs.

 

[pattycake]

Thanks!