reef tank questions regarding lighting?

Question

I'm trying to start up a 50 gallon reef tank and i'm not sure what kind of lighting i should use. I know that i don't want a hood and that i'm not really into most of the hard corals the brains and what not. I've been told to look at power compacts, but there are soooo many different one's with different light options such as moon lights, or acintic (i think it's how to spell it) etc., and different wattage and what not. any suggestions on the kinds of light (and strenght) and brands that are good? thanks.

Answer 1

I suggest you go with a combination fixture. They have them with actinic, metal halides, and moon lights that are perfect for a reef aquarium, something like:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12113&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Portal-_-PriceGrabber-_-Fish-_-Aqualight%20Pro%20HQI%20/%20Compact%20Fluorescent%20/%20Lunar%20Light%20Fixture%20(48)&ref=3475&subref=AA&GCID=C12188x004&ctt=61

OR, since you don't want a hood, you could go with two suspended metal halide lights. Metal halides are really strong, and you'd get more bang for your buck than with actinic - unless a specific organism you have requires it. You could set up a separate moon light fixture, also, if required.

As for wattage, well, I'm ballparking here. About 3 or 4 10,000K Metal Halide watts per gallon. 1 to 2 actinic watts per gallon, and 1 to 2 watts of lunar lighting.

Answer 2

undergravel , no stay sand definite, solid idea powerheads for circulate , definite cannister ok, yet not a lot in it, regularly only for circulate and some mechanical filtration. in case you already own it, use it. upload both powerheads, or yet another filter out like an Aquaclear to the decrease back of the tank for better bypass. The Aquaclear will be packed with regularly small liverock products and performance like a mini refugium. (surely an section out of the tank , for small organisms to reproduce and replenish the tank with micro existence/nutrition. protein skimmer is a good element. organic filtration is installation the tank like a reef tank with stay rock and stay sand and providing loads of circulate 15-20 circumstances the tank volume in bypass. micro organism and microorganisms do countless the filtering and having a very low fish load is needed. in case you overfeed or overstock you'll fail. that's a lifeless ringer for a reef tank except without countless the corals. you've some hardy zooanthids or mushroom corals, yet i wouldn't get an anemone or any of the different corals till you're smooth with protecting the tank. a much better mild might want to be better, yet in case you don't get any photosynthetic organisms, like anemones, corals etc. then you will be high-quality. That type tank is termed "fish purely with stay rock" or FOWLR tank. EDIT: definite it is puzzling, definite there is loads of conflicting information. commonly because there is distinct concepts or platforms that folk have arise with.

Answer 3

I'd go with HQI lights (minimum 14,000K). You can get them in a housing that doesn't require a hood. The light stands on just 4 legs that attach to the top of the tank or mount to back of the tank (or even hang from your ceiling). The Coralife Aqualight Advanced HQI are a good place to start looking. Obit are good too. The HQIs will be good for all types of coral including polyps and stony. You don't want to save money when it comes to lighting for a reef tank.

Answer 4

If you have no experience with reef tanks, go with the hood at first. Weather you want one or not. Make it easy on yourself. Also, before starting a coral tank and killing them, make sure you 1. Show patience. 2. Considertion when choosing corals 3. lighting requirements for each type you "Want " to have

Remember Corals require special water parmiters and lighting. Certain Fish may want in your tank may be impossiable to keep due to these water parimiters. Make a blue print first of what you would like.

Review the NEEDS of each. Choose accordingly, then choose your lighting etc.
If you have additional questions, look at nanoreefs.com
Good luck