lighting

[chris stevens]

just purchased a 50g acrylic tank - 36lx20hx12w. It comes with a 24" UL listed fluorescent light fixture. my question is - eventually, i think i am going to want to invest in some corals for the aquarium, and i am also concerned about the habitat looking it's best. do i need to purchase metal halides, or is there a very powerful fluorescent bulb(s) i can invest in that would work?? will 24" of length be sufficient to completely light a 36" long aquarium? thanks

 

[sirfishmaster]

go with power compacts, u can get retro-kits to fit nicely for that tank...


doug

 

[steve-s]

Decide on the coral species that interest you most and what you basically want your reef tank to become, then decide on the lighting that fits those needs best. PC or VHO will allow for most soft, LPS and few types of SPS with the right intensity. If you are mainly an SPS/clam type of person, MH is definately the direction you want to go.

Cheers
Steve