Lighting Suggestions

[pensky]

I plan to convert my 29gal FOWLR tank to this 55gal and I would like to start working with coral. I have only had my tank for a few months and have not even seen a saltwater tank until then so my knowledge is very limited. I would like to start my 55gal right by purchase lighting that will support corals in the future.
I am looking for help with the lighting for this 55gal tank that is split in the middle. I don't even have any glass tops so I am starting from scratch. I don't plan on getting any extravagant corals until I can handle some reqular stuff for at least a year and I will have bought new light by then. So what lighting do you suggest I should purchase right now for the start?

 

[pensky]

anyone have a suggestion?

 

[jjlittle]

I would suggest Ice Cap VHO lighting they are the best Vho lighting and you could house almost any corals you would like .DONT PUT GLASS TOP ON TANK USE A HOOD FOR THE TANK NEEDS TO HAVE GAS EXCHANGE AND WILL NOT HAPPEN WITH GLASS COVER.

 

[pensky]

any suggestion on where to get a hood and what do they look like?

 

[jon.316]

I've started with just agressive fish and have moved onto live rock with agressives and now with corals....My suggestion would be just to go ahead and get 2x175 metal halide or a 250 metal halide with a 70$ jebo 4foot power compact. Having just VHO's or PC's will leave you feeling deficient and allow for excess algae to grow...I have seen the light and the light i see are halides.

 

[pensky]

any suggestion on where to order these lights from and what am I looking at as far as price for the total package?

 

[mudplayerx]

I suggest metal halide lights if you want to do corals. Once you get into the coral aspect of the hobby, you will find that there are many impressive species that will tolerate nothing less than metal halide.

 

[jon.316]

Well I always suggest local fish stores however they tend to be rather pricey...As of late, I'm an ---- kinda guy.

 

[zaakana]

I've been searching E-Bay for lights with no success. There are some classifieds here on the forum and you might also check your local news paper classifieds. I know there are also retailers of DIY kits on the internet that have decent prices from what I've seen. I'm still in the 'reachearch and development' phase my self so let me know if you find anything good!