New Reef tank?

bungles

bungles

Member
Ok just got a 42 gallon hex tank. (Already have 30 gal saltwater tank with fish and LR)
With the 42 im planning on doing a coral tank with a few fish any ideas or help would be great.
Whats a Good beginner coral or corals?
I got my test kit, Reef salt crystals. Using Sand as my Base. Picked up Circulation pump. Need a heater.
Just wondering what levels am i looking for all the good beginner stuff.
what type of light should i use.
 
D

denniscoy420

Guest
U get what u pay for
say u buy a 200$ light then buy 300-500$ worth of corals
they will be ok but will grow slower due to the cheap light
total = 800$
I would buy a 400$ light and buy less corals they will grow faster
and later down the line u can buy more u Cant change ur mind about ur light
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by bungles
http:///forum/post/3260174
so what type of light watts
What type of corals do you want? that is the first thing you need to decide
BUT, you can get a good T5HO set up and keep most anything....just make sure it has individual reflectors, and at least but maybe 6 bulbs
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member

Purchase the very best lights you can afford. It is the most expensive purchase for a reef, and the most important. By purchasing the best to start with you save money by not having to upgrade every time you choose a new coral that requires greater lights…TRUST ME…Also arrange your rock with some large over hangs or a cave, not all coral wants or needs bright lights. By having some shade you can increase the corals you can house for variety and beauty.
Personally I love the way MH light dances on the water, I have been reading here that T5s are just as powerful in keeping coral happy and healthy. They are more affordable, but IMO nothing beats the look of the MH and you can choose the bulbs you want..10K for fast growth, 12k,14K even 20K for a bluer look.
Easy coral are as a rule the soft corals and polyps:
  • Xenia
  • Chili coral (needs shade)
  • Sun coral (needs shade)
  • Leathers}..Finger…Tonga…spaghetti…toad stool… colt
  • Mushrooms) lots of variety of color
    Acans) Lots of variety
    Bubble coral
    Zoa) lots of variety of color
    Clove coral
My vote for a 40 Hex ...150W MH with 96w actinic...
they cost about the same as the 6 bulb T5s don't they?
 
bungles

bungles

Member
ya i was prob gonna get
2 white t5s 460 and 1 t5 10,000k.
also mabye 1 actric blue t5
thanks guys for all your help keep it comin
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member

Another option...Have you considered maybe doing a low light reef tank? It takes more water changes and more coral food but the color and beauty is worth it. The regular fish lights are enough. Here is a picture of two tanks Spanko posted a while back.

 
bungles

bungles

Member
thanks guys im prob going to start to add water and live rock and sand soon. ill post how my progress is going.
 
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