newbie lighting questions

[8965]

i just purchased a tank which came with 2 x 42" florescents, 40 w each. one is a marine glow and one is a power glo.....i realize that this is not allot of light but would i be able to keep any type of corals or inverts with these lights?

also, should i run my lights during the cycling process?

 

[Atari]

Probably won't be enough for corals.. you don't need light for cycling so it's best to keep it to a minimum to keep the algae growth down.

 

[8965]

what type of moderate light package should i look to purchase. i would like to have some easy to keep corals etc in the tank.

 

[Atari]

Take a look at some T5 or PC fixtures.. someone else should be able to recommend actual brands that are available in the US, since I'm not really sure.

 

[darb2]

lighting can be the most expensive part of the tank.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=25697&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=wpg

decide what you would like to keep, and choose based on that and budget. I have pc lights and love the shrooms

 

[loganj]

I would look into one of the Currents USA Orbit fixtures with 4x65w PC bulbs. This fixture also comes with moonlights built in. I'm guessing you have either a 55 or 75 gal tank. This will be enough light to keep the less demanding soft corals and most of the zoanthids. Shrooms will thrive under this lighting too.

 

[8965]

yes i have a 55 g...thanks