lighting question

[crete456]

Hello all...currently I have a 37 gal FO setup slowly converting to a reef tank by adding a few pieces of live rock...I'm trying to tackle the conversion one step at a time...my question is about lighting...I currently am in the dark ages as far as lighting (perfecto strip light with (1) 50/50 coralife bulb)...I was going to try to build my own but as far as lighting I dont want to burn the house down ...I've done some research and found a 30 "coralife lunar aqualight 130W hood w/lunar lights 2(3/4W), the setup has 10,000K & actinic compacts...is this a good setup for reef inhabitants (corals,inverts,frags,etc.) & will it meet my future needs...I would appreciate any input...thanks...Dennis

 

[Anonymous]

It would be ok for the lowest light requirement corals (softies mostly) but thats about it.. - Xenia, zoanthids, mushrooms..

If it were me, I'd probably save my money and go with a better setup.

Not that I like the watts per gallon rule of thumb thing, but... at least 5-6 watts per gallon is a better idea to shoot for.

So for a 37, you should really be looking for at least one 175w metal halide and probably some actinic supplements of some sort.

Just my opinion though, others will likely chime in here too..