The lowdown on lighting...

temple2101

temple2101

Member
I have read many threads about lighting and I have to admit I am still confused. Here's what I've got and what I want to do. I have a 55 gal with a 4" - 5" DSB with which I am putting 45 lbs live rock and about 50 lbs base rock in. I am running 1 emporer 400 filter (should I get a better filter?). I do not necessarily want to do corals, but I would like some color in the tank, so maybe soft corals or something. I am on a budget, so money is an issue. Can anyone give me brands, models, or types of lighting I should get for this setup? Remember, I'm new to SW and VERY new to lighting, so explanations would be great! Also ... do you need special lighting for things like anemones, urchins, sponges, scallops, nudibranch, or feather dusters? Thanks guys!
 
joemack

joemack

Member
I got the same type, 2 36" 96 watt X 2 @ 192 watts total for $170 total delivered. These light are very bright and are way cheeper than your LFS
 
hondo

hondo

Member
you probably want a VHO set up either retro or a complete hood depending on what kind of $ you want to spend. VHO lighting will enhance the color of any fish you have and will allow you to keep pretty much all soft corals and most LPS corals. There are a wide range of systems and prices but most people recomend the ice cap ballasts and systems, do a search and you'll get a ton of info.
If your system already has a canopy and your really strapped for cash then go to an electrical warehouse and purchase a workhorse 7 ballast ($45.00). This will power up to 220w of VHO and this would be perfect for your 55g. Once you have the ballast just buy some VHO end caps ($10.00 or less on internet or at a local LFS) and two 110w VHO bulbs (either both 50/50 or one super actinic and one 10k). wiring is easy and you've got a cheap reliable DIY lighting system.
Anemone's do need intense lighting so you should do allot more research before going down that road, the other items you mentioned do not need specialised lighting.
 
temple2101

temple2101

Member
Well, I did it. I decided to purchase a workhorse 7 ballast and wire it up with 2 VHO lights. I decided this would be the cheapest, yet still give good lighting. Hope I did the right thing. I still need to build a canopy though, anyone got any plans on the or pictures I could see? Thanks for the help guys!
 
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