[treblig442]

If im going to use 4 40w NO flurescent bulbs to light my 30 gallon long reef tank, what kind of bulbs should i use? 2 actinic blue and 2 10000k white? a combo of those and 50/50s? Im open to your ideas.... Thanks

[Krazy]

I would do two 10,000K's
a 420nm actintic and a 460nm actintic

[treblig442]

Thanks for the Reply!

Do you think that will be sufficient enough to have my Live Rock flourish, and enough light to keep some nice corrals/anemone's?

[pogodzib]

The coralline on your LR should take over quickly under that light. Coralline does better over lower lighting amounts. 4x40w NO bulbs will be enough for low light corals (soft corals, mushrooms), but not enough for anemones. You might want 1-6.5k and 1-10k bulb for your daylight bulbs. The 6.5k provides much more par than the 10k bulbs and the 10k bulb is much whiter. For actinics add 1-420nm and 1-460nm bulb. If you have your heart set on anemones, LPS, SPS, etc... then you should think about getting more powerful lights.

[treblig442]

Im thinking that because i have nothing setup yet, and am just currently gathering materials and equipment i can be patient. It seems like alot of people/sources say that i should just go the "best" route and do Metal Hallide bulbs. Good Idea??? IF so what is a good/safe way to go about making a DIY MH Fixture??? What other bulbs should I include or look into combining with a MH fixture in an ideal world for someone that is patient???

Thanks in advance for your attention everyone!

[pogodzib]

I wouldn't go MH over a 30 gallon tank. They put off way too much heat. Try looking into PC, VHO or T5 lighting. Use T5's if you'd like to keep SPS corals and either PC or VHO if you'd like to keep softies, LPS, or low light SPS corals.

If you're set on MH, I do know some people that have them over 20-30 gallon tanks with good results, but make sure that you use a pendant style of fixture for lighting and have an open top.