Proper Lighting

[worm]

I was curious to know what is a good guideline for lighting. I have read that 4 watts/gallon is a good starting point. What is your opinion? Presently I have 2 55watt PC's, but plan on purchasing another set (without the blues). That would put me at 4watts/gallon. Just curious, cause gosh! Those distributors of lights are very proud of them and they show it on their price tags!

 

[bluemarlin]

You're not kidding about the prices! Whew those things are pricey.
On my 120 gallon tank, I had 3-175 watt MH with 10,000k bulbs and a 4-40watt NO flourescent with two daylight and two actinic bulbs in it. That seemed fine. Now, I have upgraded to a 180 gallon tank (isn't this a great hobby?) and I use the same lighting. I don't think it is enough and I have been eyeing some new VHO lamps.
I guess it depends mostly on what you are planning on putting in your tank.
Does that help at all or just confuse the situation?

 

[worm]

thanks, BlueMarlin, you're a "hoot" <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" />
i am just starting out with this hobby (and I want a bigger tank already, too I guess what I am trying to say is, I am not going to be purchasing anything very hard and delicate to keep. Unless my girlfriend brings something home she has no idea what it is ...but it soooo pretty! I just want to make the right investment and not overspend...
thanks everyone!

 

[saltyrich]

I'm no expert, but here's my advice. 1st- you need those blue actinics. 2nd- I have a 55 gallon tall (24" wide)and I upgraded to VHOs. I think your 55 is 36" wide? What I know is I got a retrofit kit (ballast, german caps, polished aluminum backing and 4 75watt URI bulbs for $230. All you do is mount it in an existing hood and off you go. You can even make your own canopy with stuff from Home Depot (they cut the wood). The 36" bulbs are 90 watts each. By the way, you can calculate some displacement for the LR and LS (about 15% water volume-giving you around 8 watts per gallon)My tank completely blossomed. This stuff rivals Ice Cap and has the same warranty. Try lampsnow.com, you'll be happy.

 

[jim672]

Also not an expert but I just purchased a full hood system for my 45. It's got a 175 watt MH 10,000K and two 95 watt actinecs. (I replaced 3 30 watt NO bulbs.) What an AMAZING difference in the appearence of the tank. I've only had it going a week and am still limiting the hours it's on to acclimate my corals but I'm really looking forward to vastly improved coral health and growth!!
Jim

 

[saltyrich]

Also as a side note. The cost on that retrofit unit includes the 4 bulbs (URI) which you are allowed to choose. I recommend: 2 aquasuns, 1 50/50 white actinic, and 1 super VHO blue actinic. These bulbs all have internal reflectors. Add this to the polished aluminum base for the kit and WOW!!!!

 

[keisersosei]

When you purchase a new light hood (I'm assuming it's a hood rather than canopy) remember to measure the two hoods to make sure they both will fit on top of the tank. I didn't and had to wait over 2 weeks for the lfs to retrofit them into one.