Light requirements

[Dragonet]

Most of the threads on this board describe higher-end light systems based on MH/VHO configurations. I would like to understand what your understanding is on the following tank configuration: What type of corals could be maintained and what would my next 'upgrade' path be.

I have a standard Ocean 75G 4' tank with 2 55W PCs and one 40W actinic.

 

[ZigZagZombie]

You would need to upgrade your lighting. Usually you want a least 3 watts per gallon,more would be fine. I have a 70gal myself and i run 4-55watt PC"s with a 175 MH. and have no problem keeping corals. You just have to put the one's that need more light closer to the top of the reef.

 

[mariner]

Start out by telling us the available room you have to put this large piece of furniture.. This hobby can be at either end of the spectrum. Moderately priced to REALLY EXPENSIVE!!! Do you have the money for name brand stuff or are you on a budget? Answer this and we can go to phase 2, which will consist of the level of your knowledge for reefkeeping and phase 3 which I would really call it rule three..."Mail order all of you purchases." You will save almost half your money.

 

[Dragonet]

Sure - the sky is the limit for equipment. As this is my first SW tank (I am running a 30G FW tank for more than a year now), I want to keep the initial configuration simple to learn the hobby and to focus on beginner corals, inverts, and fish.

My tank is a standard 48½ x 18½ x 21½ with a 4" DSB. It's currently cycling (working off the Nitrite peak). Skimmer: Turbofloater 1k. Mag7 return pump fed by a 20G sump.

Again, I would like to know the types of corals I can add to this configuration (I read: Star Polyps, Mushrooms, Leather coral). But more specific names would be helpful.