new to lighting my tank

[watersrob100]

ok so far ive had just fish in my tank but now i want to put in some live coral to pretty it up, any suggestions on what type of lighting and beginner coral would be appreciated. i have a 100 gallon tank.

 

[travelerjp98]

Hi and welcome to the site!!!
Before I can recommend any corals or lighting, I need to know some more info on the tank... first, what fish do you have? Second, what's your filtration? and third, how is your water flow? do you have any powerheads?
Anyways, good beginner corals are usually mushroom corals... they are quite hardy and are less specific in their needs than other corals...
Also, a pic of your tank would be helpful...
welcome again!

 

[travelerjp98]

Also, how long has the tank been set up?

 

[watersrob100]

he tank has been setup for about 2 years it has a fluval 405 filter, some type of skimmer two powerheads.. there are two cardinals,a large foxface an engineer goby, and two green chromis
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[watersrob100]

thank you for helping

 

[travelerjp98]

Quote:
Originally Posted by watersrob100 http:///t/387440/new-to-lighting-my-tank#post_3409292
thank you for helping
yep.. no problem!
What type of lighting do you have on the tank now?

 

[travelerjp98]

Metal halides and T5 lights are what are usually used, but LEDs are being more common in the hobby because of their benefits such as lower heat generation and lower energy consumption...

 

[travelerjp98]

I would also get a lot more live rock in the tank...
what are the water parameters?

 

[watersrob100]

the light is just two flourescent tubes, what do you mean by water parameters?

 

[travelerjp98]

I mean levels like nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, salinity, temperature, calcium, copper, iodine, trace elements, etc... now you don't need to know all of that! Just the most important ones are nitrates nitrites, salinity, and temperature... do you have a test kit? If so, what kind?

 

[teresaq]

looks good, but might need to add some more water, level looks a little low.
Look at adding about 50 more lbs of rock to start, google marco rock, its dead rock that will soon be live and will not mess your water readings up.
I would look at a 4 to 6 bulb t5 fixture. This will allow you to keep mushrooms, zoas, leathers, ricordia, colt and kenya along with a few lps like candycanes ect.

 

[watersrob100]

water is excellent.. this is the weekend for the water change also so i will ad more water.. how much do you think i could get a fixture like that for?

 

[travelerjp98]

you'd be looking at like $400-800

 

[watersrob100]

holy moly!!!! do you have any to give away..

 

[watersrob100]

will this work?
Sorry you can't post links to other stores, BUT you can post a picture of the light (Meowzer)

 

[acrylic51]

Are you referring to the HQI T5 combo on the left of the screen?

 

[watersrob100]

i was trying to post a link, but i will have to e-maill it to you if thats ok?

 

[travelerjp98]

I got your PM and will respond to you there.