What lighting needed for 75gal reef???

[Rarry]

Hello, I am new to reef tanks and need help choosing lighting to convert my 75gal FOWLR to Reef. I will start by eventually adding a few of the more easy to care for corals. I currently have a 48inch 40 watt coralife 50/50, and 80lbs of live rock. Id like to light my setup in a way thats easy on my wallet;) Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

[charlie]

This ought to let you grow some mushrooms and zooanthids, and maybe some lower lite LPs corals.

Coralife 48 Inch Aqualight With 2-65W Actinic / 2-65W 10,000K Lamp Straight Pin Base (with fans) - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store

Also check out the sponsors to maybe get some more ideas. HTH

[Rarry]

WOW, that was fast!! Thanks! That is exactly what im looking to keep in my reef, and the lights fit my budget perfectly. Thanks again! BTW, should I use that setup in addition to my current coralife 50/50? Also, would i be able to safely keep anemones with this setup?

[charlie]

I would think that you would want to look into alot stronger lighting for most anenomes. Start with the what you had in mind and then work into the anenomes. Most require strong lites and a well established tank, OK. JMHO

[CRJDriver]

I have the same question. I'm looking at upgrading the lighting to get more stuff to pop out of the live rock, and possibly get some corals in the long run. I see a couple of diff. brands, is this the brand that you would suggest? Also possibly a dumb question, but am I able to keep the glass covers on the tank or would this deflect a good portion of the light? I've also seen some in the LFS laying on the tank and some raised up from the tank, which is best?

Is there any big differences between the one suggested above and the lunar models? Is a lunar/moonlight really beneficial?

[charlie]

Is there any big differences between the one suggested above and the lunar models? Is a lunar/moonlight really beneficial?

Mainly cost! I don't think that lunar lites have any effect on corals, they are mainly for your "viewing pleasure".

I would remove the glass cover, it promotes better air exchange. HTH

[CRJDriver]

Mainly cost! I don't think that lunar lites have any effect on corals, they are mainly for your "viewing pleasure".

I can't say I've ever seen one in action, are they worth the extra $$$$ in your/anyones opinion?

Do you notice more evaporation with power compacts vs. NO?

[charlie]

I can't say I've ever seen one in action, are they worth the extra $$$$ in your/anyones opinion?

Do you notice more evaporation with power compacts vs. NO?

If you buy a fixture with them, use it, if not, I don't think you'll miss them.

I think you will notice more evap with the PC's just because of the heat, especially if you take the top glass off.