Lighting options

[RnBMum]

I have just been offered a T5HO 24" 4 bulb fixture for my tank - will this be a good interim option until I get a 165W dimmable unit?

I have a 36 gal tank currently.


Allison
Freshwater fish-head for more than 20 years now, but salt water newbie.

[Sniperhank]

Good for what exactly? There isn't anything wrong with bulbed units, but it depends on what the goal is.

[RnBMum]

Well, currently all I have over my tank is a single 24" 50/50 10k/actinic t8 bulb. I would eventually love to add corals or a BTA, and I know my lighting is far from adequate.

The person who offered it actually dropped past my house... with the lights, a protein skimmer, wet/dry filter and a phosphate reactor.

I just about passed out - now all I have to do is figure out how to set it all up.


Allison
Freshwater fish-head for more than 20 years now, but salt water newbie.

[Sniperhank]

Well the lights are an improvement, that is for sure. If this is the 36 bowfront, that won't be enough light for an anemone. I tried and failed with mine until I upgraded.
Either way, grats on the free loot! If you have 1 lbs of rock per gallon, you won't need the wet/dry filter, but the rest will be a great addition.

[RnBMum]

You are right, it is the bowfront (are there any other tanks that are even that volume?)

Although, if I could swing it, I'd love to swap out my tanks - I have a 50gal FW tank that is only about 2/3 the height of the bowfront. I guess I theoretically do it if I invested in a few more 5gal paint buckets. What do you think, Hank? Would it be worth the effort?

Oh no, now I have the wheels turning. This is never a good thing


Allison
Freshwater fish-head for more than 20 years now, but salt water newbie.

[Sniperhank]

Once you get started you'll always want to upgrade. Whatever makes you happy, but swapping tanks out seems like too much work to me.

[Stripes04]

Personally I would say its worth the hassle and more water volume will mean a more stable marine tank.

I'm into shallow tanks so I've never had an issue for lighting.