Lighting?

[lilwill83]

Im sure ill probably answer my own question but im just looking for an opinion. I got a hell of a deal on a 55g long with the hood and Strip. The strip can only fit 1-48" bulb so i understand that if i eventually would like to keep corals or any type of anemone i will definately have to upgrade that but thats besides the point right now. Ive been using the bulb that the set-up came with its a perfecto to be exact, and i can tell the bulb isnt strong enough because its giving the water this yellowish tint to it and im almost positive that its not diatoms because i had my outbreak 2wks ago and they quickly disappeared as soon as i added the clean up crew. What type of bulb would anyone recommend for the set-up that i have that would bring out colors in the fish and inverts and promote some coraline growth. The LFS around here has some 50/50 and 10000k for a great price. Im looking for something to hold me over till i can afford to built the canopy and mount some fixtures in there.
PS for now its FOWLR!!!!!
Thanks for any help itll be greatly appreciated
lilwill83

 

[syres1]

you got it you need 2 10000 white an 2 blue, you can get the coralive, I think thats what it's called comes with everything canopy too for around 400 for your tank. Check it out

 

[syres1]

www82.safesecureweb.com this is were i got the info from or seach for coralife on the net for your dimentions
48" AQUALIGHT - DOUBLE LINEAR STRIP
ITEM # CL53106
Dimensions: 48" x 7" x 2 1/2"
The Aqualight is the complete line of compact fluorescent lighting units for your saltwater, reef or freshwater aquariums. The Aqualight is a sleek and streamlined fixture, designed to enhance and complement your aquarium. The compact and low profile style is equipped with a modern aluminum housing and a highly-polished reflector for optimal lighting. It also includes a protective acrylic lens cover and Coralife compact fluorescent lamps.
Product Information:
Aqualight Deluxe Series - Double Linear StripTwo 65 watt 10,000K and two 65 watt True Actinic 03 Blue straight pin base compact fluorescent lamps
Two on/off switches with two 8-foot power cords for separate timers
Built-in ballasts
Two cooling fans
Sleek aluminum housing
Highly-polished reflector
Acrylic lens cover

 

[pyro]

I'd say just get something with a higher spectrum than what you have. I beleive yellow light is around 7k. You probably want 12k or so. 20k is blue. 10k is daylight. My power compacts have 96 watt 20k and 96w 10k. Without the 20ks on, my tank seems yellow, with them both on, it seems perfect.
I'd say go for around 12k, maybe 15k - I don't knwo what they make them in though.

 

[mudplayerx]

I've got two 150 watt 10k HQI metal hallides and they are so bright/white that sometimes I have trouble acclimating my vision if I go into another part of the house.
The metal hallides make regular lamps in my house look yellow, its kind of scary....like im trippin or something.