[vettech101]

okay...just got done taking a deep breath, now just need some sound advise

I have aquired a unusual sized tank. it measures 48"x12.25"x13.25", it is a shallow long tank, 37g? it was a stock tank for an old pond installment business before hurrican katrina, it is drilled left, and right side 1 3/4" bulk head fittings, I have set up the tank and have about 30lbs of live rock curing as we speak, I made a sump for my pump out of an old 10g I had stuck in the attic and skimmer(on its way) and have put a 4" sand bed in sump, 1 1/2-2" live sand in display.

now on with my point, I would love to get some zoa's, mushrooms, and xenia to start out with. Iam not new at this rodeo, but it has been several years, lets just say when I did this, vho lights where not even on the market.

now all I see is mh, hqi, t-5...for all applications when it comes to reef aquariums.
the delima?...well, I have shallow pockets, and a wife..that should say it all!
don't want high energy bill, or boiling my tank to the point I need to buy chiller. I can hear t now..."honey, what did you buy for $500? and WHY?????!!" dont even want to go there, sure some of you can smirk at that..or cringe

I thought I got a deal when a co-worker of mine said he would sell me his 48" coralife 50/50, 110 vho light for $50.

the confusion?..well, I have heard that for my tank I need to get mh lights or at least t-5 (yes on the t-5 just not yet) if I want to support zoa's, ployps's, or even shrooms...the reef kind.

just dont understand, if these animals are sometimes found in the depths of the ocean, why cannot my light support them, remember my tank is shallow (13.25").

any thoughts?...oh, the bulbs on the fixture are about 2 months old.

[scubadude]

Originally Posted by vettech101

I have heard that for my tank I need to get mh lights or at least t-5 (yes on the t-5 just not yet) if I want to support zoa's, ployps's, or even shrooms.

HOGWASH! You will do fine with just VHO's IMO....Go ahead bro, choke that nickel to the ground and sleep good tonite As long as your not messin around w/ SPS or Clams you should be just fine

[charlie]

You will be fine, do some searching around about what you want to have in your tank. Those aren't high lite requiring critters!!!

[scooterman]

Welcome to Reefland!

[crasico]

confused . ..



LOL, J/King welcome to reefland! This is kind of what I am going through, Vettech101.

for those who know better, I am looking at a Current Orbit 1023 that puts out about 192Watts total. I am confused about what I will be able to keep as well.

Tank 65g 36"Lx18"Dx21"T

Will this be enough for softies and maybe LPS corals?

What would maybe be a better light setup for around that same price. (found it online for $215, but haven't purchased it yet.)

I really can't go over that by much and the less the better for my wallet.

TIA for the help!

Charles

[charlie]

Will this be enough for softies and maybe LPS corals?

I would think so.


Unless you find a heck of a bargain, metal halides would be out of the question for that amount. You might try looking around for some T5 lights. I am not the expert on T5's around here, that is for sure!!!

[crasico]

Thanks Charlie!

I was hoping there would be no problems! I thought about the T5s, but the only way I can get them down in my current price range is to go with retrofit kits and install in a canopy, which I currently do not have. Maybe when I am ready to upgrade I will look into a T5/MH solution.

Again thanks for the response and if anyone else has advice it is always welcome!

Charles

[Ramer]

The T-5's here may be all you need not sure.. I am just using compacts and the softies do just fine. www.247PetShop.com.

[ret25yo]

Originally Posted by crasico

confused . ..



I am looking at a Current Orbit 1023 that puts out about 192Watts total.



Charles

those are 2x96w lights --- your talking 40$ /bulb every year... that adds up... I would approach t-5's where the bulbs are 15-30$ each
i'll look for 215$ t-5's and let you know.

[ret25yo]

219$
T-5 Aquarium Lighting: Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights

199$ ( not the best) but ...
Aquarium Lighting: Marineland T5-48 Deluxe 48" Deluxe T5 Daylight/Actinic Light

still looking but off the top of my head here are 2

not much on looks but price is nice (not the bulbs..)
189$
New Wave 216W 65K/3K 20000 Lumens 4FT T5 Fluorescent Grow Light - Plantlighting Hydroponics

wow .. I dont think these are t5HO but nice price ..
Sun Blaze 432W 3000K 40000 Lumens 4FT T5 Fluorescent Grow Light - Plantlighting Hydroponics

[ret25yo]

ALLRIGHT found a nova 48" 4x59w UNDER 200$

OceanReeflections for Aquarium Supplies

[ret25yo]

ok last one
ReefTankSupply.com

[Ramer]

I think you have them coverd

[crasico]

Thanks for all the help ret25yo!

Originally Posted by crasico

For those who know better, I am looking at a Current Orbit 1023 that puts out about 192Watts total. I am confused about what I will be able to keep as well.

Tank 65g 36"Lx18"Dx21"T

I was looking for something in the 36" range, but. . .

Originally Posted by ret25yo

219$
T-5 Aquarium Lighting: Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights

. . . this one has a 36" version that runs at 156 Watts. I think that will be great for now, I can always add more on later to fill in and add Wattage! I will have to keep this link close at hand, I should have the money for this pretty soon!

Thanks again and if anyone sees more great deals on lighting that will fit the need, PLEASE share!

Charles

[ret25yo]

Originally Posted by Ramer

I think you have them coverd

just trying to help....jeez

I believe you were also looking for lights so that motivated the extra research on my part... lol

[charlie]

Originally Posted by ret25yo

just trying to help....jeez

I believe you were also looking for lights so that motivated the extra research on my part... lol

I believe he has lites, all he needs to do is come and get them.

[ret25yo]

ok, then it the research was for the general public...

[crasico]

No, I don't have lights yet. I was just looking at that particular fixture at the time, but ret25yo's first post was actually a better deal, so I am probably going to get those after I have the money put together.

Charles

[charlie]

Originally Posted by charlie

I believe he has lites, all he needs to do is come and get them.

I think you misunderstood, I was talking about Ramer. I know you didn't have any lites, or you wouldn't be asking!!!

[Ramer]

I was looking around thinking about upgrading the 90.. I wanted to learn more on this lighting craze thing