low light reef

[tankaholic]

how low is low - the tank came with two 24" flourescent aquarium reflector hoods. 120v 19watt 60hz and 15 watt bulbs in place. LPS(Petco) advised I needed something that would cost me around $500.00 . I'm hoping not-it will take a while to save up for that! Any suggestions?

 

[Innovator]

The question is, what do you want in a tank? Do you want just soft corals, hard corals, anemone's, clams, a mixture of?....also tank dimensions will help.

 

[tankaholic]

I want the most stunning reef aquarium on the East Coast! JK! I would love both.

 

[melosu58]

It`s not going to be enough. You`ll need much more lighting. I would search out T5HO lights.

 

[tankaholic]

thanks - will do

 

[Innovator]

Get me the dims and I'll see what I can find for you in lighting options. I'm feeling rather helpful at the moment, take advantage lol

 

[tankaholic]

k - 23 1/4 x 11 1/2

 

[tankaholic]

gotta run i'll check back in a bit

 

[Innovator]

You have 2 options in purchasing an actual fixture (plug n play) or a retrofit kit (need canopy or build a frame). The fixtures will cost you much more.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/ATI/Powermodule_Fixtures/48_inch__4x54W_Powermodule_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_by_ATI

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...igh-Output_Fixture_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supplyhttp://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_Light_Fixtures/48_inch__4x54W_Tek_Light_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_%28Black%29_by_Sunlight_Supply

Aquarium Lighting for Reef Systems: Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5 Fixtures

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/AquaIllumination/Miro-4_Retrofit_Kits/48_inch__4x54W_Miro-4_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_AquaIllumination

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/SLR_Pre-Wired_Retrofit_Kits/48_inch__4x54W_SLR_T5_Pre-Wired_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Ballast_&_Bulbs_by_IceCap

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_2_Retrofit_Kits/48_inch__4x54W_Tek_2_T5_Very_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply

There are more variables, believe it or not, if you wanted MH or halide on one side and T5 on another. MH is overkill imo unless you want sps dominant tank.

 

[tankaholic]

wow holy information!

 

[melosu58]

Good information though.

 

[fishmonkey]

yeah, you are definitely gonna need to ditch that lighting if you want a reef. what kind of invertabraes are you going to want to be keeping?