Best lighting for mixed reef/fish tank

[bdturtle21]

I recently purchased a 55 gallon corner tank (39x27.4x23) with a sump, protein skimmer, and biofilter. I purchased this used and it came with 15lbs of live rock and 30lbs of live sand. The biofilter wasn't dried out (the seller disassembled it and brought it to me within a few days, so the filter was/is still seeded).

I've gone through the cycle and today added the CUC and 2 firefish. I also have 50lbs of dry (live) rock coming and will add that to the tank later this week.

The lighting that came with the tank just wouldn't work for me (though it was MH and likely the best light I'd ever have). I just can't figure out how to hang it above the tank. That, and it is a rather large and cumbersome.... So, I purchased a Fluval Sea Pro 25000K, 32 watts full spectrum LED for marine and reef aquariums.

I would like to slowly add in some soft coral (starting w/ either mushrooms or zoas) and an anemone. Eventually I hope to add some stoney corals (SPS, and maybe LPS), but will do that once I've more experience with the hobby.

I know (?) the light I just purchased isn't enough - but am curious if I can, with time, just add several more. Or, if there is a better option?

I am in no huge rush since I just added my first fish - I'm thinking to wait a few weeks and then get a soft coral. Does anyone have a suggestion for the best soft coral to start?

What about an anemone?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[mmittlesteadt]

If you want corals and you got a MH light with it...well, if it were me, I'd find a way to make that MH light work.

You can make a bracket to hang it that mounts to the stand. You can use a hangar in the ceiling (like those used for heavy hanging plants)...be creative. Do a search for hanging lights here on RC...there is bound to be some inspiration to help you figure out how to use that light.

 

[bdturtle21]

Thanks mmittlesteadt! From what I've read, the MH is the best light to use for corals - I'm just concerned about heat, etc as well as how to hang it (and b/c I don't currently own the house I'm in - I'm a bit hesitant to put holes in the ceiling).

How are LED's?

I'm really looking for a way to figure out how much light I need (other than the 6-8 watts per gallon), that takes into account depth, etc. Is a single MH enough? ....

 

[One fish]

Is this the light you bought?



I think for the price of the new fluval you could get a reefbreeders 16 inch and it would be way better.. But I don't know. I bought the same fluval led (except mine is the 24w) because it was on sale. For the same price I bought a used Kessil and like the kessil A lot more.

 

[mmittlesteadt]

If you want LED, look into these Kessils

Pricey, but well worth it.

If you really don't want your MH, I"ll PM you my address and you can give it to me.

Seriously, even if you are renting, they make very attractive plant hooks for ceilings that hold a lot of weight. If you left it there, your landlord wouldn't care at all.

 

[bdturtle21]

Yes that is the Fluval I purchased. It was on sale (about 1/2 off), which is why I got it....

The reefbreeders 16in is a lot more expensive (than what I paid for the Fluval) - and it wouldn't cover my tank either (right?).

Question: If I get two lights does that work? I'm guessing not since what I need is more depth, not necessarily more intensity - right?

I got the fluval b/c it was a quick (and rather cheap) fix for me to be able to light my tank in the near-term.

If the MH is the best option, then I can get creative and figure a way to hang it. But, it is a single bulb (150W 14K). Is that enough for corals in a tank that is 23 deep? Again, I'm really trying to figure out an easy way to calculate the light needed for best coral/anemone growth/maintenance. Are there any good websites out there that help you figure out light needed based on the dimensions of your tank?

If I go w/ the MH, then will I need a chiller?

 

[bdturtle21]

If you really don't want your MH, I"ll PM you my address and you can give it to me.

mmittlesteadt - if I decide I don't want the MH, its totally yours!

 

[jpa0741]

I doubt you would need a chiller with a 150w mh. Like stated if you do want to go led I would definitely look into reef breaders. If you think the 16inch is not enough coverage maybe the 24inch would work better

 

[Reefstarter2]

for a 24 inch deep tank 250's are better its a 55 right ? 2 of them then

 

[mmittlesteadt]

mmittlesteadt - if I decide I don't want the MH, its totally yours!

If you really don't want the MH, sell it to fund your LED lights.

I don't need it as I already use LED's and will upgrade to Kessils when I can.

 

[BigCountry74]

for that tank I would run the MH or T5

 

[Stolireef]

IMO, take the fixture you bought back to the store. There are loads of high quality LED's that you can get used that will blow that light out of the water (bad pun, sorry) for about the same price (maybe just a little more). Look for Radions, AI's, Kessils etc. Even an older generation will be better.

MH is tried and true (what I use) but has some drawbacks (heavy ballasts/fixtures, heat). That said, at 24" deep, you need some punch to your lights. I'd go with a 250W MH or a good LED.