Need Lighting Help - I'm a Newbie!

[Sunshine0659]

Hello,
I am new to saltwater. I've had freshwater aquariums for years. Boy, is there a lot to learn! My tank is been set up for 5 weeks. It's a 125 gallon FOWLR tank. I was hoping to add an anemone for my clown fish in a few months.

My LFS has given me a lot of bad advise. I know this now as I read postings. Currently, I am using my old lighting fixtures. I was told that if I changed the bulbs to what the LFS guy recommended, the lighting would be fine, even for an anemone.

Currently I have two 36 inch dual bulb Perfecto fixtures that sit end to end. He sold me 2 Marine Glo Actinics (30 watt each) and 2 Power Glo 30 watt bulbs. That's less than 1 watt per gallon.

I'm not against buying a new lighting fixture, but there is not much out there to fit a 72 inch wide tank. I can use two 36 inch fixtures but they hang over the end a little. Also, I would need the fixtures to be brown or woodtone to match my tank.

Is it possible to retrofit my existing fixtures to get close to 400 watts...or, should I add two more Perfecto fixtures behind the two I have?This would give me 8 bulbs. What 8 bulbs would I use?

Any other thoughts?

I've attached two pictures so you'll see what I'm talking about.

Oh, and my live rock is dying off? Is the lack of lighting doing that?

Any help is appreciated but, please type slowly because I am a slow reader.

[Bullet]

I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but those lights aren't even close to adequate for saltwater(well, anything reef related). For fish only with dead looking live rock its okay, but if you ever want corals of any type you will need more lighting. I personally like t-5 vho lighting and have it on my 135 gallon reef tank. Lots of people like metal halide as well. There are a ton of options out there if you look around. It can be expensive too. I bought my t-5 setup used for less than half as new and have had great success so far keeping sps, lps, clams,ect. Its all in what you want to do now and in the future, and what you can spend.

[charlie]

Bullet is pretty much right on with this comments. One thing that I might add is that I would certainly wait at least a year for an anenome, your tank should be well established. The lighting he suggests will work for them, but you need to let the tank mature!!!
Is there other rock besides live rock in there? It almost looks like lace rock????

[Sunshine0659]

Most of it is lace rock left over from my freshwater days. I have about 20 pounds of live rock interspersed in between. I think I have found a lighting set-up that will work for me. A new store in the area has ordered me VHO's that will match my aquarium and will not cost me $1000. This set is $400. They also gave me a loaner light until my new light comes in. My live rock is already looking better after only 2 days.

Thanks, everyone, for your help.

Debbie

[charlie]

Are you going to try to get more live rock in there? That will help a bunch more for your natural filtration. I haven't had real good experiences with lace rock in a marine aquarium.
Take some pics when you get your new lites, and keep us updated with your project.