Light Question

[mystair13]

I am looking at installing lights in my canopy for a 75g FOWLR and suggestions of how many lights I should put in. Right now I am thinking about 2 VHO, one blue and one white. Will this be enough lighting or should I go to three or four? Thanks

 

[pat8you]

If you don't plan on adding coral to the tank then the light is really for aesthetic purposes only. One or two bulbs would be fine. I would go with two just because it gives the tank a nice bright look and then if you wanted to try putting an actinic bulb in down the road to make the colors pop you have that option.

 

[mystair13]

Thanks for the help.

 

[xsmoker_3]

a 4 bulb t5 unit is fairly cheap and will allow some corals if you get the bug later which you will

 

[Jimbo7]

I would stay really cheap, use T8's or T12's if its fish only. If you get a 4 bulb T5 fixture, its not going to be enough to do much coral and you will end up replacing it anyway, which will just be money wasted.

 

[melosu58]

I have VHO bulbs and I believe the 4 foot bulbs are 110 watts. 220 watts will get you by with soft corals and most LPS corals. I did it for 7 yrs with my 55 gallon tank.

 

[mystair13]

Thanks everyone for the advice and yes, I probably will get the itch for corals down the road. I have already thought about it but don't want to get to "deep" being a beginner.

 

[melosu58]

Why dont you do the retrofits and do 4 VHO bulbs. That`s what I have now. 4 Six foot bulbs at 160 watts each.

 

[xsmoker_3]

i have a 4 bulb t5 light and have no problem with my coral