Lighting requirements/suggestions... 1st thread =)

[beddru]

Does anyone know the difference between these lighting systems other than price?

AquaticLife T5 HO Aquarium Lighting System - 4 T5 HO and 2 Lunar - 24 in.

and
Nova Extreme HO Light Fixture - 4x24W T5HO - 24 in.


When I say I am a novice to this hobby it's and understatement....

This is what I have so far, looking to add more live rock and lighting to be able to house anemones maybe a bubbel tip or (Hardy Species that are compatible with my clownfish ) and corals (not sure which would take suggestions)

26 gallon bowfront tank, seaclown 100 Protein Skimmer, fluval 305, basic aeration, stock lighting...

2 - Yellowtail Blue Damsels
2 - Ocellaris Clownfish
1 - Yellowfin dwarf angel
1 - scooter goby

Several reef safe inverts (turbo snails, emerald/hermit crabs, cleaner shrimp)...

I've had the tank up since early November...I change 10% of the water weekly, and test water conditions before each change...My water quality is pristine.


So I guess a follow up question would be what would I need to be able to turn this fish only with (ls/lr) tank to a reef tank other than lighting, and are the two lighting systems I'm deciding between adequate? 20 inches seperates my sand bed from my hood.

I know patience is key, so I am just trying to get an idea before I drop serious dough on lighting...sorry for being so longwinded

 

[masterswimmer]

Welcome to MR. It's nice to see a self proclaimed newbie asking questions and reading. I wish you would have found this forum before you bought the equipment and livestock you've got. :sad2:

I'll let the rest of the members make suggestions.

Best of luck with your new system.
Russ

 

[bob c]

Go to http://www.aquatraders.com/ i bought allot of product from they have a special for $100.00 250w mh and t5's also visit http://www.catalinaaquarium.com bought my t5s from them great stuff..


Bob C.

 

[beddru]

Thanx for the links...

http://www.petdepot.com/JBJ-K2-Viper-Deluxe-250W-HQI/M/B001EJQOXS.htm

I decided to go with this lighting system instead of the two I was researching...

It allows me not to be limited with the corals I choose, since I am leaning towards hard corals and they thrive under metal halides (which obviously everyone but me knew well before last month lol)

I should be ordering it at the beginning of next month...once I get some more live rock...hopefully in time for the April 26th spring swap

 

[Keith P]

What are the dims of your tank?

 

[beddru]

Here are the specifics...

26g Bow front tank: 24" L x 15" W x 21" H

and I've decided to keep sps corals...

 

[Keith P]

I like this light. 150W w/ PC actincs.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~IdProduct~CU010551.html

 

[beddru]

That light looks pretty hot...but it doesn't seem as stable as the one I was looking at...really good price though...