Total newbie, looking to buy lighting

aquabat · 10-10-2005, 02:44 PM

This will be my first marine tank, so for the most part, i'm looking to keep hardy, easier to keep hard corals and fish.

i have a 35 gallon hex tank that is waiting for set up. It's about 20" deep and the top is about 21" across. i am pretty clueless about lighting and what i'll need for the animals i'll be keeping. i've read a couple books, but those just seem to confuse me more

i realize i can use PC, VHO and Halide, but would i need such a strong light such as Halide? What wattage should i be seeking? 2 watts per gallon? The most wattage i can afford? Could i start out with PC lighting? And upgrade when i'm ready for more advanced animals?

After searching online, i found the Coralife Aqualights 96w 50/50. i was seriously considering buying these. They seem to be perfect for what i'm looking for....to my newbie eyes.

So, what do you experienced reefkeepers think?

**charlie** · 10-10-2005, 02:55 PM

Hey, welcome to Reefland!! If I knew how to get the logo up here I would give you the official welcome

Your lighting will depend on what kind of critters you are gonna keep. I am assuming the lite you have picked is a PC lite, and yes that will be ok for some mushrooms and some of the softies. If you want to get a little deeper into the corals, then you will probably end up upgrading to Metal Halide.
Where in the Pacific NW are you?

aquabat · 10-10-2005, 03:58 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Yes, the lighting is PC. i'm looking to keep mushrooms, and sort of whatever else my LFS gives me the green light for lol. Fairly simple, easier to care for animals. i may never work up to the difficult clams, anenomes, etc. Low fish load as well, maybe a damsel, a yellow gobie, a blennie or two. Whatever will get along.

Thanks for the help, i appreciate it!

And i live in the Portland area

**charlie** · 10-10-2005, 04:21 PM

You should be fine with what you are gonna do, just be careful and research even what the LFS tells ya, they have been known to say what you want to hear. Always do your homework first!!

yankeebobo · 10-11-2005, 08:14 AM

Definately take what the LFS says with a grain of salt. Check out this forum - it's very packed with info and people. The LFS sees $$$$ signs when people walk in.

**Poseidon** · 10-11-2005, 08:54 AM

Hi Aquabat!

Aren't 96W PC's very LONG? I don't think they will fit over your tank without protuding on each side!

My vote would be for a single 150W halide. THat way you only have to spend money on lighting ONE TIME! If you go the PC route, eventually you will see a very cool coral and WANT IT! CAn I have it? NOPE, not enough light. If you do the halide then you will not be restricted later. Also the halides aren't THAT much more.... Especially the single pendant types!

**charlie** · 10-11-2005, 10:02 AM

Good point Mike, I think I have been guilty of that more than once.

There are good LFS out there, but the key is to do your own homework too!!

**Poseidon** · 10-11-2005, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie

There are good LFS out there, but the key is to do your own homework too!!

I like the ones that ASK ME if they don't know... At least they are willing to learn!

I have been in others where the clerk was COMPLETELY WRONG explaining something to another customer... I just wait till the clerk leaves the area, then explain what a better approach might be...

**charlie** · 10-11-2005, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poseidon

I

I have been in others where the clerk was COMPLETELY WRONG explaining something to another customer... I just wait till the clerk leaves the area, then explain what a better approach might be...

That is PART of the reason I can't go into the one that is only 12 miles from me...................

aquabat · 10-11-2005, 01:25 PM

Heck, now i can't remember where i found it LOL

Anyhoo, it was the Coralife 96 watt 50/50, 20" long. It looked to be a four bulb lighting system.

i found it to be in the 90-125 price range, and i haven't found any Halide for less than 250 (for hood setup.)

Am i looking in the wrong places?

***Reefland*** · 10-11-2005, 01:50 PM

Hi aquabat,

I couldn't agree more with Mike and Charlie. I would go ahead and pick up a 150w or 175w halide and have all my lighting needs out of the way. A nice hood will cost you $250 but you can probably find a decent used outfit for much cheaper.

**charlie** · 10-11-2005, 01:51 PM

I think what Mike is trying to say, is that instead of spending the money for the PC's now and then the halides, in the long run, it is cheaper just to buy the halide now, and save yourself the upgrade. Do you see what I am saying?? I believe if look a little harder, try Marine Depot, you might see something, they are also a sponsor here!!

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=IC3511

**Poseidon** · 10-11-2005, 10:41 PM

Yup thats it... Spend it once and be done! Same goes for the SKIMMER buy a good one the first time, so you don't have to upgrade later!

cuttingrass · 10-11-2005, 11:27 PM

heres a site dont know if odyssea lights are supposed to be a good brand. i have a power compact 130 watt made by them thats a good as any other power compact. any way the site is here http://superfishstore.com/waterworld...oducts_id=1610

aquabat · 10-12-2005, 09:57 PM

That Halide looks perfect! Would i get the 150 for my tank?

Oh, and this is probably a stupid question, but what is the "ballast box" for?

Thanks again everyone!

cuttingrass · 10-12-2005, 11:57 PM

hey i found some more of the odyssea hqi systems.

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...TS&Category=24

theses deals almost sound to good to be true and you know what that usually means, they prolly are

**charlie** · 10-13-2005, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquabat

That Halide looks perfect! Would i get the 150 for my tank?

Oh, and this is probably a stupid question, but what is the "ballast box" for?

Thanks again everyone!

The ballast is what drives the halide lite. The cord will come from the fixture, you plug it into the ballast, the ballast then plugs into the power.
The 150 or 175w will be fine for your tank.

**The R/C Man** · 10-16-2005, 01:33 PM

Hi aquabat!

Well I started out with a Coralife PC set up for my 25 gallon. Turns out it wasn't enough light to keep a lot of different corals. I ended up upgrading to a 250w MH and using the PC to suppliment it (Actinic). I think it is about the right amount of light for the corals (sps) and clams...... Hope that helped..

ldrhawke · 10-17-2005, 09:00 AM

Another option is 150w MH hanging penant. Compact and with an adjustable hanger easily placed and adjusted for height. The problem you have is the top of your tank is narrow and most fixtures with good light output will be too wide and will hang over the side.
one source....http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=HT1313

aquabat · 10-19-2005, 09:17 PM

Thank you everyone!

Now why is it that i can spend hours on a shopping site and never find the awesome finds that y'all can?

10-10-2005, 02:44 PM	#1
aquabat Just Moved In Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 6	Total newbie, looking to buy lighting This will be my first marine tank, so for the most part, i'm looking to keep hardy, easier to keep hard corals and fish. i have a 35 gallon hex tank that is waiting for set up. It's about 20" deep and the top is about 21" across. i am pretty clueless about lighting and what i'll need for the animals i'll be keeping. i've read a couple books, but those just seem to confuse me more i realize i can use PC, VHO and Halide, but would i need such a strong light such as Halide? What wattage should i be seeking? 2 watts per gallon? The most wattage i can afford? Could i start out with PC lighting? And upgrade when i'm ready for more advanced animals? After searching online, i found the Coralife Aqualights 96w 50/50. i was seriously considering buying these. They seem to be perfect for what i'm looking for....to my newbie eyes. So, what do you experienced reefkeepers think?

10-10-2005, 02:55 PM	#2
charlie Keeper of Willis Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 5,715	Hey, welcome to Reefland!! If I knew how to get the logo up here I would give you the official welcome Your lighting will depend on what kind of critters you are gonna keep. I am assuming the lite you have picked is a PC lite, and yes that will be ok for some mushrooms and some of the softies. If you want to get a little deeper into the corals, then you will probably end up upgrading to Metal Halide. Where in the Pacific NW are you? __________________ 400 Gallon Reef Log Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

10-10-2005, 04:21 PM	#4
charlie Keeper of Willis Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 5,715	You should be fine with what you are gonna do, just be careful and research even what the LFS tells ya, they have been known to say what you want to hear. Always do your homework first!! __________________ 400 Gallon Reef Log Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

10-11-2005, 08:14 AM	#5
yankeebobo Citizen Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Western MA Posts: 129	Definately take what the LFS says with a grain of salt. Check out this forum - it's very packed with info and people. The LFS sees $$$$ signs when people walk in. __________________ Bo 58 Gallon Reef Tank Log Our Loft

10-11-2005, 08:54 AM	#6
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,248	Hi Aquabat! Aren't 96W PC's very LONG? I don't think they will fit over your tank without protuding on each side! My vote would be for a single 150W halide. THat way you only have to spend money on lighting ONE TIME! If you go the PC route, eventually you will see a very cool coral and WANT IT! CAn I have it? NOPE, not enough light. If you do the halide then you will not be restricted later. Also the halides aren't THAT much more.... Especially the single pendant types! __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

10-10-2005, 03:58 PM	#3
aquabat Just Moved In Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 6	Thanks for the warm welcome! Yes, the lighting is PC. i'm looking to keep mushrooms, and sort of whatever else my LFS gives me the green light for lol. Fairly simple, easier to care for animals. i may never work up to the difficult clams, anenomes, etc. Low fish load as well, maybe a damsel, a yellow gobie, a blennie or two. Whatever will get along. Thanks for the help, i appreciate it! And i live in the Portland area

10-11-2005, 10:02 AM	#7
charlie Keeper of Willis Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 5,715	Good point Mike, I think I have been guilty of that more than once. There are good LFS out there, but the key is to do your own homework too!! __________________ 400 Gallon Reef Log Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

10-11-2005, 01:25 PM	#10
aquabat Just Moved In Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 6	Heck, now i can't remember where i found it LOL Anyhoo, it was the Coralife 96 watt 50/50, 20" long. It looked to be a four bulb lighting system. i found it to be in the 90-125 price range, and i haven't found any Halide for less than 250 (for hood setup.) Am i looking in the wrong places?

10-11-2005, 01:50 PM	#11
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,030	Hi aquabat, I couldn't agree more with Mike and Charlie. I would go ahead and pick up a 150w or 175w halide and have all my lighting needs out of the way. A nice hood will cost you $250 but you can probably find a decent used outfit for much cheaper. __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

10-11-2005, 01:51 PM	#12
charlie Keeper of Willis Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 5,715	I think what Mike is trying to say, is that instead of spending the money for the PC's now and then the halides, in the long run, it is cheaper just to buy the halide now, and save yourself the upgrade. Do you see what I am saying?? I believe if look a little harder, try Marine Depot, you might see something, they are also a sponsor here!!http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=IC3511 __________________ 400 Gallon Reef Log Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

10-11-2005, 10:41 PM	#13
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,248	Yup thats it... Spend it once and be done! Same goes for the SKIMMER buy a good one the first time, so you don't have to upgrade later! __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

10-11-2005, 11:27 PM	#14
cuttingrass Tenant Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: cincinnati ohio Posts: 92	heres a site dont know if odyssea lights are supposed to be a good brand. i have a power compact 130 watt made by them thats a good as any other power compact. any way the site is here http://superfishstore.com/waterworld...oducts_id=1610 __________________

10-12-2005, 09:57 PM	#15
aquabat Just Moved In Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 6	That Halide looks perfect! Would i get the 150 for my tank? Oh, and this is probably a stupid question, but what is the "ballast box" for? Thanks again everyone!

10-12-2005, 11:57 PM	#16
cuttingrass Tenant Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: cincinnati ohio Posts: 92	hey i found some more of the odyssea hqi systems. http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...TS&Category=24 theses deals almost sound to good to be true and you know what that usually means, they prolly are __________________

10-16-2005, 01:33 PM	#18
The R/C Man Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 704	Hi aquabat! Well I started out with a Coralife PC set up for my 25 gallon. Turns out it wasn't enough light to keep a lot of different corals. I ended up upgrading to a 250w MH and using the PC to suppliment it (Actinic). I think it is about the right amount of light for the corals (sps) and clams...... Hope that helped.. __________________ Greg 25 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump/fuge 375 gallon reef with 100 gallon sump/fuge: under construction Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones.......

10-17-2005, 09:00 AM	#19
ldrhawke PHD in ReefKeeping Errors Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: St. Augustine, Florida Posts: 121	Another option is 150w MH hanging penant. Compact and with an adjustable hanger easily placed and adjusted for height. The problem you have is the top of your tank is narrow and most fixtures with good light output will be too wide and will hang over the side. one source....http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=HT1313 __________________ Reflections by LDRHawke LDRHAWKE Last edited by ldrhawke; 10-17-2005 at 09:03 AM.

10-19-2005, 09:17 PM	#20
aquabat Just Moved In Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 6	Thank you everyone! Now why is it that i can spend hours on a shopping site and never find the awesome finds that y'all can?

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