lighting/ refugium

[tlee]

I have a 55g all glass with NO Florescent. Will this be enough light for stock that list as moderate lighting for what they need? Or should I move up to the T5HO?

Also, about the refugium, I plan to get one that hangs in the tank but my question is, how does the sump go with this and do I need one in order to have a refugium? Everything I read is just confusing me more. LOL My tank is not RR. And my stand is solid so no hiding stuff for me. LOL

Thanks bunches,
Tammy

 

[melosu58]

Sorry Tammy that will be nowhere near what you need. You`ll need more lighting. For moderate lighting you`ll need VHO or T5HO lighting. As far as the refugium just get a HOB overflow and a ten or twenty gallon tank for under your stand. I did that for seven yrs and it worked quite good.

 

[tlee]

Awesome, Mike, thank you. I kinda figured, so I am going with the T5 HO, now these will not be strong enough for high lighting needs would they? Everything I'm interested in stocking with is moderate but I was just wondering. LOL Ya just never know. LOL, some pretty little coral or something might catch my eye. LOL

You've been a great help, thanks again.

Tammy

 

[gibbin94]

T5 HO lighting will work for most moderate requirement corals, but lighting is not just about the fixture, it is about wattage. So even though you have a nice fixture, you also need good bulbs.

 

[melosu58]

To be honest with you it`s not just about wattage. It`s about intensity or PAR. We use wattage per gallon but only as a broadline. I have all moderate light corals in my tank and I use VHO`s. But T5HO has more intensity and will do a lot of high light corals and MH`s have the most intensity. If you decide on T5HO you`ll be doing good. Make sure they have the individual reflectors.

 

[tlee]

gibbin94 and Mike, thank you.
I visited my lfs yesturday and spoke with a gentleman that showed me a t5ho which I will be buying probably today. I honestly don't remember the brand or wattage (not that I understand the wattage at all. I just know from reading that I need 4 to 8 watts per gallon, lol) I know they were 48in bulbs and had four bulbs, 2 white, 2 blue... all in the same casing. Very bright when he lifted it to show me what it looked like.

Mike, what do you mean about each having their own reflectors? I think each bulb was in its own rail with its own backing, is that what you mean? I will make sure when I go back to ask.

Thank you,

Tammy

 

[melosu58]

Yes they`ll have individual aluminim reflectors that will help to direct all the light into the tank.