reef tank lighting?

[rcbc3384]

Hi everyone
What is the best light for my 55 gal reef tank? I anticipate a mellow mix of critters.
Thanks

 

[schadiest1]

depends on what type of corals you'll be keeping.
With sofites and LPS, Power Compact lighting will be fine, I keep 260watts over my 40 gallon, all is well there.
With SPS you'll be needing metal halide lighting.
If only softies, you wont need so many watts as the 260.
So what type of reef tank will it be?

 

[quads4_lif]

Can you keep most Anemones with just PC's?

 

[borgatagal]

I'm going to be purchasing a tank in the next week or so and wonder what is the best lighting to go with when starting out? :help:

 

[drew2005]

Originally Posted by BorgataGal
I'm going to be purchasing a tank in the next week or so and wonder what is the best lighting to go with when starting out? :help:
If your setting up a reef tank then i would go with metal halide. If your doing FOWLR then PC lighting is ok.

 

[rcbc3384]

Whats FOWLR??? The reef tank I'm starting will be a mix of clowns, anemones, clean up crew etc...

 

[40 galons]

fowlr) is fish only with live rock, and if you plan on keeping the anemone in good health for an extended period of time i would get metal halide

 

[rcbc3384]

Thanks for the clarification. Maybe I will.