[peachykeen]

hi guys, new to the reef, anyone have any reference pages or ideas on how to build lighting for a 65 gallon coral reef tank, looking at all options before final decision to buy or build

thanks in advance

[MISTERFIXIT]

Hey PK,
Many Reefland sponsors have lighting and kits etc.Search the lighting articles and check the sponsors.Depending on what you want to keep in the tank will dictate the intensity.I've got a compact flor--4-65 watt bulbs 2 -10,000 k and 2 blue actnict (?) but no major corals.All the peeps here can give plenty-o-info.Enjoy!!!

Marc

[peachykeen]

thank you marc

[The R/C Man]

You need to decide on what you are planning to keep in the tank. If you decide you want SPS corals then MH lighting will be required. So start from there first..... I would hate to see you spend twice the money having to upgrade in 6 months.....

[ANGRY JOHN]

construction of a hole lighting system seems to be a little over the top to me when somthing simple like a pfo mini-pendant would fill the bill easily and most likely cheeper in the end. i am runnig a 250hqi mini on my 40 with a 10k ab bulb and its great. one bulb and one balast. sometimes less is more.

[peachykeen]

the less is more idea is a winner for me! if i use the mini pendaent will it be enough to cover the whole tank, its 65 gallons, and i plan on putting everything including a clam in the tank. its 36 across and i want to make sure that there is enough quality light all the way across to ensure whatever and whereever i put in the tank is covered

[tray262]

Originally Posted by The R/C Man

If you decide you want SPS corals then MH lighting will be required.

There are many people keeping SPS and clams under T5's.

[The R/C Man]

It is true they will survive under those lights for a while; however they will probably die due to lack of lighting. Most people contribute these losses to other factors such as water chemistry etc.

These animals (SPS corals and the like) live in light intensive areas on a reef and are primarily photosynthetic, so why would anyone want to neglect them a necessity? It is irresponsible for hobbyists to keep live animals without the providing the proper care. If MH lighting is too expensive for an individual to purchase, they should only keep low light animals until they can afford the more expensive lighting.

[SKRIZ]

I spoke in length with Scott at www.aquariumspecialty.com about my lighting setup. He spent a lot of time and found the right setup for me that would do the job and fit my budget. I would give him a call or shoot him an email. he's a really nice dude and will help you tou bigtime!

my advice: do it right the first time. don't try and skimp, you'll regret it later and end up spending more.