need lighting help...

[kingtriton]

Im trying to start my first reef tank up, I have everything I need as far as filtration, skimmers, water test kits, etc...Im not new to the hobby but am new to keeping corals. Now Im not looking to spend a ton of money on lighting and I cannot go with something that hangs above the tank (i.e. on chains or dangles from ceiling) I do not have a canopy on the tank, just glass plates on top. Its a 55g tank with a 48 inch lighting standard flourescent lighting fixture. I really want to keep coral that is pretty harding that only requires moderate lighting or maybe a little above.
So my question is, I found this light fixture in an add and was seeking some advice as to whether this would suffice as far as lighting goes for corals, I know probably not for the real particular ones but at least maybe some leathers, or bubble tips
48" Aqualight (Salt) 2-65W Lamp Str Pin (ESU)
Includes (1) 65 watt 10,000k and (1) Actinic 03 straight pin compact fluorescent lamps.
Price: $145.99

 

[nycbob]

very weak light over a 55, even for hardy corals. go with a 4 bulbs t5 for around $200-250. it will save you money in the long run.

 

[posiden]

If you could, you would be much happier with the T-5 lighting. At the very least step up to the same fixture but with 4-65w lamps. Which puts you in the price range for T-5's.

 

[kingtriton]

ok, thanks for the replies guys...how about this one?
Nova Extreme HO Lighting Fixture - 4 x 54W T5HO - 48 in.
Features:
Two independent circuits with 6 ft. grounded power cords independently control the 10,000K Daylight lamps and 460nm Actinic Blue lamps.
Performance driven advanced electronic ballast
German Parabolic Reflector increases lighting output by 99%
Energy Efficient
Specifications:
Fixture is 48" l x 7.25" w x 2.5" high.
Two 460nm Actinic Blue and two daylight 10,000K SlimPaq high output T5 fluorescent lamps
One cooling fan
216 watts
One year manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
Price: $287.99

 

[aquarium125g]

hello do you need actinic light for corals to grow?

 

[nycbob]

the nova extreme u listed will allow u to keep zoas, shrooms, softies and some lps.

 

[kingtriton]

ok I found this one, maybe is good enough?
• 60% energy savings over HID fixtures
• Replaces 400 watt metal halide 1-for-1
• Compare to metal halide lighting
• Integrated circuit ballast uses only 190 watts
• Compare to competing T5 fixtures!
• 4 BlueMax™ Color Technology Bulbs Included
• 35,000 hour rated life
• Highest usable light of any high bay
• 90% lifetime lumen maintenance
• Colors appear more vibrant and defined
• 5900k color temperature
• SmartLite Technology™ for more savings!
• No color shift
price: $169.99

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by KingTriton
http:///forum/post/2988377
Im trying to start my first reef tank up, I have everything I need as far as filtration, skimmers, water test kits, etc...Im not new to the hobby but am new to keeping corals. Now Im not looking to spend a ton of money on lighting and I cannot go with something that hangs above the tank (i.e. on chains or dangles from ceiling) I do not have a canopy on the tank, just glass plates on top. Its a 55g tank with a 48 inch lighting standard flourescent lighting fixture. I really want to keep coral that is pretty harding that only requires moderate lighting or maybe a little above.
So my question is, I found this light fixture in an add and was seeking some advice as to whether this would suffice as far as lighting goes for corals, I know probably not for the real particular ones but at least maybe some leathers, or bubble tips
48" Aqualight (Salt) 2-65W Lamp Str Pin (ESU)
Includes (1) 65 watt 10,000k and (1) Actinic 03 straight pin compact fluorescent lamps.
Price: $145.99
I got something for you PM me.

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by AQUARIUM125G
http:///forum/post/2988402
hello do you need actinic light for corals to grow?
No MH lighting is all you need, but otherwise without MH I think so.

 

[culp]

a great light for under $400 is 48 inch Current USA 6x54W Nova Extreme Pro T5HO 3-10k/3-460nm Actinics
and the light gets even better when you replace those stock bulbs with much higher quality bulbs.

 

[culp]

Originally Posted by AQUARIUM125G
http:///forum/post/2988402
hello do you need actinic light for corals to grow?
no you do not. but with out the actinic or bulb colored bulbs the color will not have good color.

 

[turningtim]

Originally Posted by KingTriton
http:///forum/post/2988822
ok I found this one, maybe is good enough?
• 60% energy savings over HID fixtures
• Replaces 400 watt metal halide 1-for-1
• Compare to metal halide lighting
• Integrated circuit ballast uses only 190 watts
• Compare to competing T5 fixtures!
• 4 BlueMax™ Color Technology Bulbs Included
• 35,000 hour rated life
• Highest usable light of any high bay
• 90% lifetime lumen maintenance
• Colors appear more vibrant and defined
• 5900k color temperature
• SmartLite Technology™ for more savings!
• No color shift
price: $169.99
Don't know what this is but 5900k is really going to be white.
I would stick with a T5 4x54w or 6x54. I had a 6x54w with an IC ballast and keep quite a few SPS corals and clams.

 

[reefraff]

4 lamp Tek light or the Nova Extreme Pro will both be about the same if you change out the stock lamps in the Nova. Don't waste your money on the no name crap sold on that big auction site.

 

[coastie81]

I would go with the nova extreme pro T5 HO. I have it and I keep all kinds of zoas,softies, lps and even some SPS high in the tank. I have not tried a clam because I think it is not enought light but for everything else you will be good to go with this light. If you shop around you can find the 48" nova extreme pro T5HO for around $350 to $390. Just my .02

 

[flower]

I had a 75g tank. I used Power Compacts. Here are some pictures of that tank and the corals I kept, including a giant clam. From 2006
More pictures to follow, I have to down size them.

 

[flower]

More pictures