Lighting question

[mperez]

I currently have a 55 gal tank and has been set up for about a month or so. All water perameters are very good. I have 2 damsels, 1 clown fish and 2 hermit crabs. I want to add another fish (havent decided yet on wich one) and a coral in the next couple of days but dont know if i have proper lighting. The lights I have are the ones that came with the tank (Gift from a friend), they are 2 18" bulbs, but dont know how many watts they are. Any idea of how many watts i need for my tank?. Also I have see people post threads about night lighting. Are they necessary for coral? or can i just get by with the regular lights?

 

[richie1742]

you can go with MH light set up, just look it up on google. 7-9 watts per gallon is good for almost all corals , 4-6 watts would cover most softies. if you look into pc lights(powercompacts) you might save a little but i highly recomend the MH

good luck

 

[bkc978]

I hope you don't mind - I am going to jump in here with a question.
I am getting PC lighting for the 45G (2x96). I have a glass top, but can you sit these lights directly on the glass (coralife lunar- has protective splash guard) or do you have to put them on legs? I am worried about the look of the tank with it on legs and no hood to hide it - has anyone else done this - does it look OK or will i need to build a hood?
MPerez - to answer your question on wattage - it is probably 15-20w per 18" bulb.
If you want to check and know for sure - then look at the length, manufacturer, and type of light bulb (50/50, 10,000K, actinic, etc) and go to any web site that is selling those bulbs, and see what wattage they are.