New To Reef Setup Need Help Picking Out Light

[Joeballz]

Hey i just setup my first salt water setup. Im looking to do a reef tank. What type of lighting will i need? Ive been told to do either a T-5 or Halide. Please recommend me some specific models if you know any thanks.

 

[chanman]

IMO, get a LED setup if money isnt an issue. $600-700 but saves you energy cost and heat issues in the summer(mh causes intense amount of heat) in the long run.

Post up your setup. What size tank? Are you going for SPS(more intense lighting)?

 

[Joeballz]

well i was trying to keep costs down tops 300$. I need a 36" light by the way and here is the pic of my tank:

 

[Joeballz]

thats a little out of my price range im sure i can get something that will work for less. Im not cheaping out just not looking to spend 600-700 was thinking tops 300$ if that. I was looking at Nova Extreme or Coralife not sure how these are let me know.

 

[Klewis]

The bigger protien skimmer won't hurt. You're water quality will be better in the long run, your animals will be happy for it. As for the lighting depends on what type of corals you're looking to keep. If you going with softies, like mushrooms, cloves, zoa's, leathers and toadstools etc. PC lighting and t-5 should suffice. If you are technically hand and just starting the tank you have time while it cycles. You could do a diy LED lightings. There is a bigger upfront cost with LEDs but in the long run it will be cheaper. Replacing bulb every six months to a year can get expensive. If you are looking to keeps SPS and LPS or clams someone else will have to give you direction. Good luck and welcome to reefing.

 

[chanman]

yes, it'll do a good job. You would want something thats more powerful than your tank size. I have a used remora for sale. cheap! pm me if youre interested

 

[Joeballz]

sorry guys i posted the protein skimmer response in the wrong thread but thanks anyways. Who makes these LED lighting systems and how much do they cost? Im not looking to DIY id prefer to buy it pre made.

 

[Klewis]

There are several DIY forums on various sites that have good information ledsupply.com has a link to a DIY thread, Wingo a vendor here on MR also sells LEDs. Check the frag swap roster, he might be at the swap he is a very knowledgible person on LED technology. I think there might even be a group buy for another manufacture going on now, not sure.

 

[aznt1217]

Okay before even thinking that far. What tank do you have.

 

[Joeballz]

46 gallon bow

 

[aznt1217]

What kind of corals do you intend on keeping.

 

[Joeballz]

mushrooms, cloves, zoa's, leathers and toadstools etc

 

[aznt1217]

Okay so low light corals. No Clams or SPS right?

If it is Low Light corals you should be just fine with a 4 Bulb T-5. If you get it I would upgrade to Geisseman or ATI Bulbs. Tek Fixtures are phenomenal, but if it's not in your budget go for www.fishneedit.com or a used light on the forums.

None of the corals you have listed require metal halide lighting so I fail to see the point of purchasing because you have to deal with heat and increased electric costs.

 

[Joeballz]

no clams or sps it seems they require alot more im guessing?

 

[Joeballz]

Would these lights be fine:
http://www.oceanicsystems.com/products/lunar-aqualight-deluxe-series---double-linear-strip.php
http://www.current-usa.com/node/27

 

[aznt1217]

the nova extreme should be okay. The oceanic you linked is a 2 bulb fixture only.

Like I said you need a 4 bulb.

 

[chanman]

out of those 2 i would pick up the oceanicsystem because it has LEDs for moonlight which the nova extreme lacks.

 

[dubs]

the current orbit is good one i have it and it have every thing in one fixture 4 t5 two 250s mh and 18 led so u can try just the mh u can used just the t5 or every thing at once if u choose it also have build in fan so that help with cooling i got its used on here for steal but u have u have to be patience and check the for sale forum there is always some selling light on here

 

[aznt1217]

out of those 2 i would pick up the oceanicsystem because it has LEDs for moonlight which the nova extreme lacks.

The Oceanic he linked me too is 2 bulbs only. NUB :tongue1:

 

[prattreef]

I'd also check out the new Wavepoint T-5 fixtures. They seem to be well made at a good price. Saltwatercrittters on this site carries them I believe.