| Reef Builders Forums » Saltwater Aquariums » New to the Hobby (Getting Started/Setting Up) » What for lights? |
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| New to the Hobby (Getting Started/Setting Up) Think you can upgrade to saltwater? Your probably very confused, but remember ask questions and you'll get your answers on here! |
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03-05-2007, 08:50 PM
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 What for lights? Jim here. New to this whole saltwater fish thing and want to start buying some of what I need. I have a 72 gal tank and stand. Thats it! Would like to keep my light costs under $300. I am planning on a reef tank but no hard corals. How much light do I need? and what kind? Can I get what I need for $300? Thanks JIM  |
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03-05-2007, 11:34 PM
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| I'm not sure exactly what lights you should get but for softies you should have at least 3-4 watts of light per gallon. Just about everyone is going to suggest T5's but I am strongly for Metal Halides. T5's are cheaper though. |
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03-05-2007, 11:47 PM
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| Check out AquaTraders for some killer deals on lights. You can do it with compact fluorescent or T5s....but their MHs are pretty cheap too it looks like. |
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03-06-2007, 10:16 AM
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| I agree with metal halides but T-5's are becoming ever so popular these days, you really cannot go wrong with halides or T-5's if you want no limits coral wise as to what you can have. |
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03-06-2007, 06:40 PM
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| metal halides are alt more versitile, but the replacement bulbs are more expensive. for soft corals you can get away with a 10,000k light but the 14,000k gives a little more blue and makes the colors really pop.
__________________ me likin' the fishies, berry, berry much!!!!! |
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03-06-2007, 07:15 PM
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| Thanks Crazygator! I have a 72 gal bowfront. Can I put too much light in there. I will spend the extra if It isnt too much light. Is heat my only concern if I go to more light? JIM |
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03-06-2007, 08:36 PM
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| Dont really have to worry about to much light unless you can push more than 10 watts per gallon, which is unlikely. More light always means more heat. If you use MH that will produce more heat than T5's. |
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03-06-2007, 08:37 PM
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| I think the depth of your tank should also be considered. How deep is it? Although you aren't planning on it, you will probably want to get as much variety (corals) as you can, once you see other reef tanks... I DID  I am at about 5.1 watts/gal (75 gallon tank). I bought an Orbit 4x96watt 48" for just under $500... now I am looking to increase to get to 7watts/gal  I do not have Metal Halides, I know they are heat intensive and require some amps but for color and output are probably the best especially for deeper tanks. |
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03-06-2007, 08:39 PM
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| T5's are the best way to go for your money!!!
__________________ 3 THINGS TO REMEMBER~~~ RESEARCH~~~LEARN~~~HAVE~FUN!!! (!ACE!) |
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03-06-2007, 08:41 PM
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| Thanks Reefdaddy! My tank is 24 inches deep. JIM |
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