Beginner needing help on lighting... Thanks

202ReefKeeper

New member
I'm new to the saltwater hobby but have the just of it such as water parameters, constantly testing & water changes and patience!! Ahhhh patience!! I've had my 75gal with 20L sump up an running now for about 3 months in total. So far I pieced everything that I've wanted, such as equipment wise. Good quality ro/di unit, various testing kits & tools, EV 180 skimmer etc. like I said I've been patient. So far all I had in the tank is a clean up crew, a chocolate chip starfish, a rock goby and a rampaging Damsel, had everything from the beginning of cycling and they are still alive & kicking "No deaths" I want the get into corals for which I started this expensive hobby in the first place. Need major HELP on lighting, with a budget of $300 smack-a-Roos I shove able to accomplish this but only with your HELP reef keepers... What do I need, what are some suggestions, do's & dont's

...Also I already have a 48" coralife (4) double 22" bulb lighting in place I had since I start the system, right now I have (1) 10k bulb (1) 65w actinic and (1) 50/50... I need to replace the 4th bulb. Is this good enough to sustain a coral system or start one, what should I add or should I scrap what I have and get something else.... PLEASE HELP!! Thanks again :sad2::sad2::sad2:
 
So far I pieced everything that I've wanted, such as equipment wise. Good quality ro/di unit, various testing kits & tools, EV 180 skimmer etc. like I said I've been patient.

First, just because you've 'pieced everything together' doesn't mean you've been patient. Your patience is required from the cycle all the way until you're done with the hobby.

Second, I'd make sure everything you put into the tank from here forward is 'reef safe'. Your chocolate starfish is NOT reef safe. Familiarize yourself with reef safe corals and fish. (I'd also ditch the damsels. PITA if you ask me...)

Lastly, I'd use your current lighting setup so that you don't need to drop more cash. Figure out what types of corals (soft, LPS or SPS) your current setup can handle and add/subtract from there.
 
+1 to what Bill had to say. The Chocolate Chip is not something you want to keep!!!

Do more research before you buy.

A 4 bulb t5 fixture is good enough to keep most anything in terms of corals. Start wit stuff that is easier to keep, like zoas, softies and LPS. Be careful if you feel like going into sps and/or clams.
 
Thanks for the advice fellas!! I had already had plans to transfer the damsel to the sump so he would be picking on any new inhabitants from here. Good look on the starfish, definitely didn't wanna find out the hard way. I think I'll keep the setup but may also add a good inexpensive led for overall look more than reef keeping. I've been look at the Current USA with the ramp that's programmable. This should fit well with the lights I already have. Any other suggestions?? What might be some reef safe fish to add a bit of flavor & color to the tank? How about Chromis? (all ears)
 
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