Setting up Reef Tank
- Thread starter cluck95
- Start date
saltyshark
Member
The biggest difference between a FO(Fish Only) tank and a Reef tank IMO is the lighting. Your initial cost of running lighting for a reef tank can be a lot more expensive than running a FO tank. The maintenance cost, replacement bulbs, will also cost more for a reef tank than a FO.
There are many things to consider when buying a lighting system to fit a reef tanks needs. First you must know what you want to keep in your reef tank. Whether it be certain corals, anemones, clams etc. that require lots of lighting, mid-range lighting, or very low lighting to thrive. After that is determined you must look at the size and depth of the tank you will be using. ie. is it shallow enough to use a few low wattage VHO (Very High Output) lights; is it so deep that only a high wattage MH (Metal Halide) can successfully penetrate down to the aquarium floor? You must ask yourself these questions along with many other considerations to take into mind. The best thing to do is educate yourself. Learn about reef life, reef organisms big and small and what role they play in maintaining a successful reef. Read this forum and buy yourself a reef book.
I'd recommend "Natural Reef Aquariums" By John H. Tullock
Good Luck
Mike
There are many things to consider when buying a lighting system to fit a reef tanks needs. First you must know what you want to keep in your reef tank. Whether it be certain corals, anemones, clams etc. that require lots of lighting, mid-range lighting, or very low lighting to thrive. After that is determined you must look at the size and depth of the tank you will be using. ie. is it shallow enough to use a few low wattage VHO (Very High Output) lights; is it so deep that only a high wattage MH (Metal Halide) can successfully penetrate down to the aquarium floor? You must ask yourself these questions along with many other considerations to take into mind. The best thing to do is educate yourself. Learn about reef life, reef organisms big and small and what role they play in maintaining a successful reef. Read this forum and buy yourself a reef book.
I'd recommend "Natural Reef Aquariums" By John H. Tullock
Good Luck
Mike
eelfreakrobi
Member
Be sure to find some info before you begin, try to read some books, the only basic thing I can tell you is that reef are more expensive and need more attention than FO, but its worth it.
travis truman
Member
whats more important............lights or protien skimmer
i'd love to have a maxima clam........how much$$$ spend on lights
i'd love to have a maxima clam........how much$$$ spend on lights
eelfreakrobi
Member
its different, skimmer is for filtration which is very important but for reef light is more important, if you love clams and would like to have one, IMO you would need metal halide, these are very expensive you do need to do your homework before getting and need all their requirements. If you are starting out, the only thing I can say to you is patience, the more you wait for things and set it up the better