Lighting requirments for FO tank

[steve102571]

I had a successful 220g, FO tank about 6yrs ago, but I moved and had to get rid of it. Since then, I am a little foggy on lighting requirments. My new tank will be F.O., 750g (120'l x 48"w x 30"h), Marine Ready, acrylic tank from Tenecor with a 2.5" -3" sand bed, a mix of aquascape and live base rock, HSA 1000. My question is how much and what kind of lighting will I need? I believe I can still get my hands on (6) 72" VHO ballasts and bulbs. I forgot the brand name, but I think they were rated @ 110w per bulb with a total wattage of 660w. Obviously I can put whatever range necessary. I really need some advise asap as I will be kacing the orderfor the tank in the next 30+/- days.

 

[matt b]

Originally Posted by Steve102571
http:///forum/post/2518988
I had a successful 220g, FO tank about 6yrs ago, but I moved and had to get rid of it. Since then, I am a little foggy on lighting requirments. My new tank will be F.O., 750g (120'l x 48"w x 30"h), Marine Ready, acrylic tank from Tenecor with a 2.5" -3" sand bed, a mix of aquascape and live base rock, HSA 1000. My question is how much and what kind of lighting will I need? I believe I can still get my hands on (6) 72" VHO ballasts and bulbs. I forgot the brand name, but I think they were rated @ 110w per bulb with a total wattage of 660w. Obviously I can put whatever range necessary. I really need some advise asap as I will be kacing the orderfor the tank in the next 30+/- days.
If your not doing any corals then you dont need anything like that. if you want your tank to light up and look real nice then just get a cheap PC fixture with some actinics but if your low on $ it dosent really matter for FO you could just get a cheap 1 bulb light at your lfs

 

[reefforbrains]

Yeppers, I would even dare to reccomend the typical stock t-8 that most everyone just throws away.
Fish do not use light to proccess thier food so addittional lighting beyond the basics will not only waste electricity, but also could contribute to an increase in algae growth.
Another difference is in the heat. Less lighting usually results in less heat.
Most folks outfit themselves out of the gate when new to the hobby with compacts because they are quick, cheap and easy. This also leaves the door open for mushrooms and zoanthids ect down the road if you should choose without the need to upgrade your lighting..