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Thread: Cichlid Master to Reef Novice

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    Cichlid Master to Reef Novice

    Hello everyone, I am new here.
    I have a 55 gal. tank that I used to breed cichlids in but now I am changing it over to a saltwater. I am an idiot when it comes to saltwater, I was wondering what kind of lighting I can get away with for now. I realise that if I want to do lots of soft and hard corals im going to have to dump a ton of money into a light but just for now I would like to get some lights that would work instead of my Standard Fluorescent. I just set up my tank last weekend with the salt water and the sand bed and I will be adding cured live rock soon. Is there a post somewhere that might have a listing of what i can have in my tank with certain types of lighting?
    Thanks, Noobie Meg

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    Re: Cichlid Master to Reef Novice

    Hey Meg,

    If you want an all around light system, I would go with a T5 setup. They seem to gaining a whole bunch of popularity. If you do some searching around on here, you will find a whole bunch of recent threads about T5 lighting. Read through these and I think it will help out with your decision. Welcome to the hobby!!!!
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    Re: Cichlid Master to Reef Novice

    By the way, Meg...you're not an idiot.

    All you are is currently "uninformed" about the hobby. Spending some time here, posting up your questions and doing a search on the board of some things you are curious about and believe me...you won't be uninformed any longer.

    I knew pretty much nothing about saltwater until I got here in December 07 and read a ton on the board. Plus, these are some of the friendliest, knowledgeable and helpful people around for this hobby...believe me, it'll turn more into a passion than a hobby if you follow their advice.

    I was also running standard lighting on my 46g, but just ordered a T5 setup for my 90g. I have seen much success here with the use of T5's, so it's a pretty good idea to look into them.

    I hope that helps.
    Mat
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    Re: Cichlid Master to Reef Novice

    Thanks for the advise
    I will look into T5's
    ~Meg

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    Re: Cichlid Master to Reef Novice

    with lighting youll soon see that the next step up from standard flourescent is the power compact lights ... then t-5 and some say Metal Halides.

    you can see here that many of the Power Compact fixures run the same if not more then a t-5 setup... the bulbs alone (96w) are outrageously priced compared to a t-5 bulb(54w)

    plus the output of a t-5ho is 10x better. while using less power

    power compact:
    48 inch 4x65 Watt Current USA PowerCompact Orbit Fixture (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Lighting > Fixtures > Power Compact > 48in Units )

    T-5HO:
    48 inch Current USA Nova Extreme 4x54W T5HO with 4 Lunar Lights (48in Units )
    uhhh...nothing creative coming to mind to fill this space....

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