Lighting Ideas

[bopeep]

I'm setting up an aquarium for the first time, on a very tight budget (college student). Lighting is too expensive. Is there anything that could be used to filter sunlight to mimic the natural water filter many feet below the ocean's surface? I know it would take some mirrors, a huge window, and a lot of luck to get the light into the aquarium 12 hours a day. I live in central Florida. We get tons of sunlight. I know this sounds crazy, but I was just wondering.

 

[Rich-n-poor]

I tried skimping on lighting for years its just wont work But there are some inexpensive options out there I have 110 watts of power compact on my 37 that cost $109 new as a kit with a warranty

what size is the tank ? what do you want to keep post some info and people will surely post some option for you
_________________
Business Credit Forum

 

[bopeep]

I will have an 80, about 72"x16"x18". I can afford 2x96w PC DIY, ballast and everything for $100 (btw, does anybody have any opinions on the cheaper Advance ballast, #REL2S110). I know I won't be able to keep SPS or anything, but I don't plan on anything but fish, LR, LS, and inverts anyway. I would like to maintain purple coralline algae though, and any other colors that come on the rock (from the Keys). I really don't want to go over $100 in lighting (yeah, not many options). Will have to design a really good reflector (please read my other post). Thanks!

 

[Rich-n-poor]

with 192 watts of lighting on 80 gallons you are closing in on 3 watts per gallon which is not a bad level of lighting

You can easily keep many multicolor shrooms under this light coralline should be no problem also zoo polyps should do alright and maybe even some easier leathers this is what i have in my tank running only 4 watts per gallon

later on you can add a metal halide retro if you want to step up to harder to keep corals

HTH

_________________
make personal budget