Lighting question

[jtwilson21]

Ok here is the deal. I have a 55 gal tank with 50 lbs LR. Its just a fish only tanks right now but all my fish are reef safe. I have had it up and running for about four and a half months. My water quality is good and i am ready to add some corals. The only problem is that i dont have adequate lighting. Ive herd good things about the MH lights, but is there anything else that will work that is not quite as expensive as this. What do you experts recommend for a 55 gal reef? I was talking to a man in the LFS and he told me he spent 1000 dollars on his lighting. Way too much for a novice like me. Any hlep would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[fishking]

u could go with pc lights but u should eventually get mh lights

 

[nm reef]

On a 55 gal display you could easily install 4x65 watt PC's or 4x110 watt VHO's...both would allow a very nice selection of corals if circulation/filtration/water chemistry are all stable and adaquate. You'd likely need a canopy of maybe purchase a all-in one unit that would sit on top of your tank...I'd prefer a canopy myself.:happyfish

 

[poprfd]

I have 2 pc lights on my 55 and they really work great for about 100 a canopy i have one with actenic bulbs and one with white they are perfect for a 55

 

[dragonboy]

PC and VHO should be fine.