New to the site!

UltraStealth · 03-10-2005, 04:50 PM

Hello,
I am new to this site, but not to the hobby. I don't know a whole lot about reef tanks, always had a fish only with some inverts, and am looking for some recommendations on Lighting. I am told you need about 3-5 Watts of light per gallon. I have a 125 gallon tank. I need some input on lighting. What brands are the best? What type of lighting system is recommended without having to use a chiller? I was thinking about starting with 260 watt lighting system and then upgrade at a later time to more wattage. Lighing just seems so expensive. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chad

SZHTTM · 03-10-2005, 07:09 PM

:

I'm sure you will be happy with all of the response you will receive here at this site.

In order to assist a little more, what type of corals you have now (if any) and would like to keep. This will help in providing some lighting suggestions.

Good Luck and Have Fun!!!;

Gina · 03-10-2005, 07:35 PM

Metal Halides are I believe good for 2 square feet of area. It would all depend on how long your tank is. Also, like mentioned above, what type of corals you want to keep.

Oh forgot,

Welcome to Reef Sanctuary!

UltraStealth · 03-10-2005, 09:54 PM

Thank you! My tank is 60 inches long, 18 wide, 24 inches high. I am looking to do some clams, polyps, mushrooms. Will the metal halides require me to get a chiller?

Thanks,
Chad

Mike · 03-10-2005, 10:00 PM

Eric · 03-11-2005, 04:51 AM

I use MH & VHO lighting no chiller but in the summer I do keep the AC turned down if not I would need a chiller

I like vho lighting looks really nice 3 blue actenic 3 white and you'll be set but to each his own lighting is personal preference MH PC VHO all work it's more of what you want

as far as brand just remember you get what you pay for and I've found that to be more true with saltwater than any of my outher hobbies just buy a good brand don't have to be the most exspensive just good reputation and you'll be fine

Eric · 03-11-2005, 04:51 AM

Oh and welcome also pc are only recomended 18 inch depth just relized your tank is 24 inches deep so that may not be a good choice

Woodstock · 03-11-2005, 06:48 AM

Welcome to Reef Sanctuary!!

Get metal halides if you can afford it. I don't use a chiller...simply a small fan that blows across the sump water and is on a timer with the MH. It works great! my tank stays at 78-79 constantly ( i use a ebo jager heater to keep it from dropping lower than 78). Also, don't scrimp on a protien skimmer... get the biggest/best one you can find!! HTH

Travis · 03-11-2005, 07:46 AM

Welcome!

The watts-per-gallon rule of thumb leaves a lot to be desired.

With a tank 24" deep, you should probably be looking at 250-watt metal halides to keep the widest variety of corals.

mkpaulson · 03-11-2005, 09:05 AM

UltraStealth · 03-11-2005, 05:39 PM

Anyone know anything about the T5 HO 8X 54 watt? Is this VHO lighting? How is the T5 lighting?

Chad

marinelover · 03-11-2005, 09:05 PM

Metal halides baby!!! But research what u want then go from there!!
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of the reef! As much as possible! (to a degree)

shawn

Reef Geek · 03-11-2005, 09:45 PM

T5 lights are VERY popular in Europe. I have seen some pictures of amazing SPS tanks under T5 lights. Most people say you must have MH to have SPS, I would disagree. I started with PC lights and am planning for my next tank (30" depth) to have 250w HQI MHs.

Clams require LOTS of light. You are looking at 250 watt Metal Halides at the least. Also look at the DE (Double Ended) MHs. Becuase of the better reflector they actually produce more light with the same amount of electricity.

And because lighting is SOOOO expensive, do it right the first time and get what you really need/want.

Here is a site with some good lighting info. http://www.aquarium-lighting-guide.com/
Also check out the Reef Index

03-10-2005, 04:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
UltraStealth Tunicate Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 10 View Gallery Karma Komment	New to the site! Hello, I am new to this site, but not to the hobby. I don't know a whole lot about reef tanks, always had a fish only with some inverts, and am looking for some recommendations on Lighting. I am told you need about 3-5 Watts of light per gallon. I have a 125 gallon tank. I need some input on lighting. What brands are the best? What type of lighting system is recommended without having to use a chiller? I was thinking about starting with 260 watt lighting system and then upgrade at a later time to more wattage. Lighing just seems so expensive. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Chad

03-10-2005, 07:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
Gina Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,823 View Gallery Karma Komment	Metal Halides are I believe good for 2 square feet of area. It would all depend on how long your tank is. Also, like mentioned above, what type of corals you want to keep. Oh forgot, Welcome to Reef Sanctuary! __________________ Gina and Mark's 75 Visit Our Sponsors Gina's Cube Gina

03-10-2005, 10:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mike Star Polyps Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Everett, MA Posts: 150 View Gallery Karma Komment	__________________

03-11-2005, 06:48 AM	#8 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 22,862 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Welcome to Reef Sanctuary!! Get metal halides if you can afford it. I don't use a chiller...simply a small fan that blows across the sump water and is on a timer with the MH. It works great! my tank stays at 78-79 constantly ( i use a ebo jager heater to keep it from dropping lower than 78). Also, don't scrimp on a protien skimmer... get the biggest/best one you can find!! HTH __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MHs, dual Geiseman Actinic T5s,Neptune AC III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

03-11-2005, 09:05 AM	#10 (permalink)
mkpaulson Plate Coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: port republic,va Posts: 750 View Gallery Karma Komment	__________________ Mark

03-10-2005, 07:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
SZHTTM Serpent Star Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Davie, FL. (South Florida) Posts: 203 View Gallery Karma Komment	: I'm sure you will be happy with all of the response you will receive here at this site. In order to assist a little more, what type of corals you have now (if any) and would like to keep. This will help in providing some lighting suggestions. Good Luck and Have Fun!!!;

03-10-2005, 09:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
UltraStealth Tunicate Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 10 View Gallery Karma Komment	Thank you! My tank is 60 inches long, 18 wide, 24 inches high. I am looking to do some clams, polyps, mushrooms. Will the metal halides require me to get a chiller? Thanks, Chad

03-11-2005, 04:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
Eric Neon dottyback Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 685 View Gallery Karma Komment	I use MH & VHO lighting no chiller but in the summer I do keep the AC turned down if not I would need a chiller I like vho lighting looks really nice 3 blue actenic 3 white and you'll be set but to each his own lighting is personal preference MH PC VHO all work it's more of what you want as far as brand just remember you get what you pay for and I've found that to be more true with saltwater than any of my outher hobbies just buy a good brand don't have to be the most exspensive just good reputation and you'll be fine

03-11-2005, 04:51 AM	#7 (permalink)
Eric Neon dottyback Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 685 View Gallery Karma Komment	Oh and welcome also pc are only recomended 18 inch depth just relized your tank is 24 inches deep so that may not be a good choice

03-11-2005, 07:46 AM	#9 (permalink)
Travis Smilie Bartender Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 6,557 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Welcome! The watts-per-gallon rule of thumb leaves a lot to be desired. With a tank 24" deep, you should probably be looking at 250-watt metal halides to keep the widest variety of corals.

03-11-2005, 05:39 PM	#11 (permalink)
UltraStealth Tunicate Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 10 View Gallery Karma Komment	Anyone know anything about the T5 HO 8X 54 watt? Is this VHO lighting? How is the T5 lighting? Chad

03-11-2005, 09:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
marinelover Serpent Star Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 234 View Gallery Karma Komment	Metal halides baby!!! But research what u want then go from there!! Lighting is one of the most important aspects of the reef! As much as possible! (to a degree) shawn

03-11-2005, 09:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
Reef Geek Reefus Geekus Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Fountain, CO Posts: 325 View Gallery Karma Komment	T5 lights are VERY popular in Europe. I have seen some pictures of amazing SPS tanks under T5 lights. Most people say you must have MH to have SPS, I would disagree. I started with PC lights and am planning for my next tank (30" depth) to have 250w HQI MHs. Clams require LOTS of light. You are looking at 250 watt Metal Halides at the least. Also look at the DE (Double Ended) MHs. Becuase of the better reflector they actually produce more light with the same amount of electricity. And because lighting is SOOOO expensive, do it right the first time and get what you really need/want. Here is a site with some good lighting info. http://www.aquarium-lighting-guide.com/ Also check out the Reef Index __________________ Justin Stealth Reefer

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