Originally Posted by
Herzlos
http:///forum/post/2597978
I have a Tank I am planning to Make into a SW tank. Its 71 inches long, 12inches deep.I do wanna keep the budget on lighting towards the lower end of the skill yet still be decent lights.
Which is a good brand of retro fit lighting? How many Lights would I need? What type of Bulbs would be the best *actinic and Such*?
Not 100% sure as to what I am gonna put into this tank. I will base the coral off the lighting. I do plan it to be a bare bottom tank.
There are two ways that you can go to succeed with a reef tank. Those options are Metal Halides and T-5s. There has been a big debate between the two and the differences are:
-Metal Halides cause alot of heat, T-5s run cool
-Metal Halides give a shimmering look that is more natural, T-5s are a little more artificial
-Metal Halides tend to be more expensive, T-5s are usually a little cheaper
Actinic bulbs are bulbs that are used for transitioning between night and day and day and night. They have a blue color to them. But it really depends on preference when it comes to the bulbs and lighting. If you decide to use T-5s, a 4-8 bulb setup should be plenty. Make sure that the fixture that you get has individual reflectors, otherwise it will be a piece of garbage and will not be as powerful. Some good T-5 brands are Ice Cap, TEK, and if you have the money Aquatinics. If you choose to use metal halides, then a dual 250W setup should be fine for you. Some good brands for Metal Halides are Hamilton Technology, Ice Cap and Sunlight supply. If you have the chance, get Luminarc Reflectors. They are probably the best MH reflectors on the market. Remember to do plenty of research and also, it is better to have more lighting than not enough. Good luck
