Coral Lighting

[goby7]

I have a well established 2-year old 55 gallon saltwater tank and was thinking about getting better lighting for it so it would be able to host soft corals (leathers, mushrooms, etc.). I am on a budget and was looking around for some lighting and there are SO MANY CHOICES that I have no clue what I am looking at. Can somebody please help me in finding the right lighting fixture for around 150 dollars? Right now I have two seperate hoods with one 15 watt lightbulb in each of them. All help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Goby7

 

[-Nemo-]

If you shopped around you could probably find a 2 bulb power compact fixture for around that price. Put in one actinic and one daylight bulb, and soft corals would do great under there.

 

[goby7]

An actinic is one of the blue ones right? Thanks for the quick reply!

Goby7

 

[xxBarneyxx]

yeah thats right. What are the dimensions of your tank (mainly the length)? a T5 unit with decent reflectors would be better and you should be able to get one for under $100 (go for a second hand unit).

If you look around on some reef forums, ebay and aquatic classified sites you might even be able to pick up a cheap MH unit for under $150 which is overkill for softies (though it wont hurt them) but gives you more choice later on for some SPS and LPS.

 

[goby7]

Its a 48 inch aquarium. Do the T5 units have to hang from the ceiling because I found one and it looked like it had to be hung? Do you have any suggestions on where to buy from if I was looking for a new unit? Thanks for all of your help,

goby7

 

[goby7]

I found this lighting fixture which is compact flourecent for around 155 dollars and I'm just checking to be sure I am on the right track and know what I am looking for. here is the link http/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?...;utm_medium=cse

Thanks,
Goby7

 

[mixmaster jay]

you want 2 foot metal halide with the actinics for night light you might be lucky and find one on ebay.

ive got a 5 foot version with 3 250 watt metal halide day lights and 4 blue actinics for night (but 2 aren't working) take a look if you want and yes they are on a tropical setup and just ignore the cold water fish thats a very temporary thing


[URL="http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=285380"]http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=285380[/URL]


or try looking for something like this over there

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/T5-AQUARIUM-OVERHEAD...A1%7C240%3A1318

 

[SkiFletch]

Since you linked to petsmart, I'd imagine you're in the US...

If you already have a hood and are perhaps interested in DIY, look into CF retrofit kits from hellolights.com. Otherwise you'd be looking at a 48" 2x65watt compact flourescent fixture if you want to buy new. I'd personally reccomend looking through craigslist or ebay for used light fixtures though... Can find some sweet deals that way. Just do NOT buy anything from Jebo