Converting to reef from fowlr

[Wings4wheels]

I have a new 55 gallon fowlr tank that I am considering converting to a reef tank. Right now I just have 4 ft strip light on top. It runs two fluorescent tubes. Would it be enough light if I added another strip like this, or do i need a completely different lighting system for this tank?
Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[herp_mommy]

I'm doing the same thing. I upgraded my light to 4 bulbs. I think that should be enough to grow an assortment of corals, maybe need MH for the higher light ones.

 

[saltwatertogo]

What's the wattage on the lights that you using

 

[Wings4wheels]

Either 32watt or 40watt, don't remember.

 

[J19Reynolds]

So just 2 light bulbs aren't enought for a reef tank?

 

[EriksFish315]

Unless its two metal halides no

 

[J19Reynolds]

Unless its two metal halides no

What's that? I just bought a ocean sun and a coral sun light from pet co

 

[EriksFish315]

What size tank how deep and what corals are you keeping. Two bulb t5 ho?

 

[EriksFish315]

I think two bulbs are good for the less light demanding corals but for a full reef tank your going to need at least a 4 bulb t5.

 

[Sniperhank]

I'd suggest bigger the better. You will need atleast 6 bulb T5HO if you are even thinking about sps and some lps.

 

[TomStav]

Those lights you have won't handle corals (mushrooms of your lucky). You can get t5 lights on eBay starting around $100, they can grow low-some medium light corals. Check out my thread on cheap LEDs, these seem to work and are fairly cheap...

 

[J19Reynolds]

I tried looking for t5 but couldn't find a good site...

 

[TomStav]

I tried looking for t5 but couldn't find a good site...

Good site?

 

[joseramentol]

try tomstav thread on the LEDS they look real good and r cheap im bulding my 55 now an this is what im going with im going to get about 3 whites an 2 blues

 

[TomStav]

try tomstav thread on the LEDS they look real good and r cheap im bulding my 55 now an this is what im going with im going to get about 3 whites an 2 blues

Be sure to post your review on them if you get them

 

[Mpfaff77]

I have to jack this thread for one question. Tomstav how big Is that carp in you profile pic? 50 lbs?? That is awesome fish. Common carp? Where you catch?

 

[bavass]

i am running the Nova Extreme Pro 6 Bulb 54w each T5HO on my 55g Reef. The bulbs it comes with are ok but you will want to change them eventually to ATI's! I used them for a year then went ATI

 

[Ibrahim]

I'm selling my nova extreme t5 fixture which is 4 bulb 48" for $80 plus shipping. Problem is that 2 of the ballasts burned out so only 2 bulbs work. If you replaced the ballasts then you'd have a $300 fixture for $120.

 

[TomStav]

I have to jack this thread for one question. Tomstav how big Is that carp in you profile pic? 50 lbs?? That is awesome fish. Common carp? Where you catch?

Ha only 32lb, I think it was a bit hollow! Caught on the st Lawrence river on the border of NY and Canada

 

[J19Reynolds]

I'm selling my nova extreme t5 fixture which is 4 bulb 48" for $80 plus shipping. Problem is that 2 of the ballasts burned out so only 2 bulbs work. If you replaced the ballasts then you'd have a $300 fixture for $120.

Are the light bulbs included?