Setting up my first Reef tank! Need lighting help.

[stdreb27]

Well, after my last tank decided he no longer felt like holding water, I decided to sell everything and go with a nano reef. It has since turned into an oceanic rr 58 gallon 3 foot tank.
It doesn't have a canopy. And I am thinking about one of those Outer Orbit Pro Series HQI/T-5/LED Lights. But I need any and all suggestions. I don't know if I can drop 700 dollars on lights as much as I might be tempted.
I plan on starting out with softies but quickly putting a few sps's in there. I definately want a clam.
I just don't know what I don't know.

 

[xdfireguy]

Wow! Your Nano has grown! They tend to do that.
Have you thought about going with a canopy and putting some T5 retros in there for now, then adding MH when you start adding the more light demanding critters?
Sorry, I am partial to canopies...I just think they make the system look complete. But to each their own, if you are set on having an open top, I would defer the expertise to someone else.

 

[gatorwpb]

Well you could probably save some money going with a 2x150w unit rather than a 2x250w.
I have a 2x150w Sunpod on my 65. The sunpods dont have actinics on them, but I rigged a pair of 21w t-5 actinics on it and built a half canopy that covers the front of the fixture.
The sunpod by itself was a great light and my corals grew nicely. Upgrading the bulbs helps greatly too. I now use Aqualine AB 10k bulbs.
If you wanted a bluer look, reeflux 12k or phoenix 14k bulbs would give you a nice look without needing actinic.

 

[stdreb27]

Originally Posted by xdfireguy
http:///forum/post/2660561
Wow! Your Nano has grown! They tend to do that.
Have you thought about going with a canopy and putting some T5 retros in there for now, then adding MH when you start adding the more light demanding critters?
Sorry, I am partial to canopies...I just think they make the system look complete. But to each their own, if you are set on having an open top, I would defer the expertise to someone else.
Yeah, I do like canopies, but don't want to build one, I've actually found one but my stand is a stained brown wood and the canopy is black. Unfortunately the tank trim is brown too. So I can't do that. I'm thinking my next tank will have a huge canopy, but this time I want to look into the top of the tank.

 

[spiderwoman]

I really like the canopyless (hehe what a word) look of our 75. We have a sleek Coravue Aqualife MH fixture on it and look good. We got ours used.