What kind of lighting?

ktwheet

ktwheet

Member
Hey guys. I have been bitten by the reef bug. I swore it would never happen because I can't afford it, but I keep dreaming about bubble tip anemone and leather and mushroom corals. So here's my question. My lighting came with my tank when I bought it last August. I have no idea what kind it is or wattage or anything (since I have been FOwLR I never tried to figure out what it is). How do I tell what I have? Where do I look on the bulb for this information? Also, what lighting would be sufficient for some beginner corals that isn't too expensive? My hood is designed to hold one 48 inch bulb. My tank is 75 gallon (48 x 24 x 20).
 
mr . salty

mr . salty

Active Member
The markings you are looking for would not be on the bulb. The power output (NO,VHO,orPC)will be on the ballast. You probably have NO,which is normal output.You need to have at least VHO,very high output. And one bulb may not be enough.I suggest you look at the classifides on this site.Look under lighting,and you will find lot's of good deals. Lighting,especially good lighting,cost's alot of money.Probably the second most expencive part of this hobby.But a successful tank cannot be kept without it.......STEVE
 
clownfish

clownfish

Member
Mr. Salty is right. You need MUCH more than a piddly little NO bulb to keep corals and more than that to keep anems. I will set up a 55 reef in September and, after much convincing, my parents are buying me a 4x96w PC system for xmas. The light intensity in your tank needs to be almost as bright as a hot summer day.
 
ktwheet

ktwheet

Member
Okay, I need some terms defined for me. What is a ballast? End Cap? How does the whole system work? How does wattage work and what is this 50/50 actinic blue stuff? Can somebody dumb the whole thing down to simple terms and explain how the lighting is set up, what the components are, and how to decide what is right for the hobbyist?
 
mr . salty

mr . salty

Active Member
Ktwheet,Well here goes,Although I'm no electrian,I know most of this.My explanation may not be perfect,but I'll do my best. The ballast is at the opposite end of the power cord that the plug is on. Usually located inside the hood. It is rectangular in shape. 110 volts come in, it changes the voltage(like a transformer) to a differant voltage that wont burn out the bulbs. The endcaps are the "plugs" that you put the bulb into. It is my understanding that the "BALLAST" is what is NO,VHO,orPC.If you are handy with a screwdriver,and maybe some solder(sp)you can replace the ballast yourself. Most store bought hoods,like PERFECTO, the ballast is molded into the plastic,and can't be replaced. Hope this helps.STEVE
 
jtoliver

jtoliver

Member
My suggestion to you is, that before you do anything you need to do some serious book reading. This is a great place to get answers, but you first need to learn the basics. (like like what are vho, pc, and metal halide as well as why they are needed.) That is just one example af many things you need to know before you start. And while we can answer all your questions, we can't answer the ones you don't even know you need to ask. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to discourage you from reefkeeping, just the oppisite, I want you to get it right the first time so you do not make costly errors that might discourage you from keeping at it. I personally read books for 4 months before I bought anything, and while I did make some mistakes, I didn't make to many. As far as books, I liked " the idiot's guide to saltwater fish" and anything by tulloc. But I think that most RECENTLY published books on reefkeeping are most likely going to be helpfull. Anyone else have any suggestions?
 
N

niteshift

Guest
I asked around at many lfs and the general consesus was that 4-55 watt PC's was plenty of light for my 55 gal. reef. Is that enough light or did I just waste 400 bucks??? (they told me I would be able to keep pretty much anything i wanted with this lighting system)
TIA
Chelle
 
reptilicus

reptilicus

Member
Hi,
4x55 is OK for a 55, but by no means too much. You should be able to keep most if not all corals under that system. That is only 4 watts per gallon, not that much when you consider that some people I know with 55's have 2x400-watt MH's plus 2x110-watt VHO actinics. But basically, the more light the better as you can keep a wider range of organisms. If there is one thing you should spend money on in a reef, it's lighting, because you will not regret it! I've got well over 1000 watts of lighting on my 180 gallon.
I'm sure that will make you feel better!
Regards,
Tom
 
N

niteshift

Guest
Nah, the fish dont have to squint i bought them some sunglasses. hahahaha
 
krazzydart

krazzydart

Member
there is some printing on the bulb near one of the ends.... look there! and next off you can get away with a 48" compact floresent about $200.oo and get a double light with ATANIC BLUE bulbs ..... ..... I found out from personal experance that the 50/50 bulbs cause lots of hair alga to grow....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top