Total newbie, looking to buy lighting

[aquabat]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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?