LIGHTING for my 55 gal HEX?

[PHOTOG]

I need some input from the pro's here. I have a 55 gallon hex tank that I am setting up and tranferring everything from my 30 gallon into the 55.

I cant figure out how to light it, it is a hex so its kinda awkward.

I dont plan on keeping any corals or anything advanced, I mainly want a marine FOWLR tank. I would like to eventually keep some EASY shrooms or something?

Anybody got any lighting Ideas for me,...I am on a tight budget so I cant get anything expensive.

Thanks.

 

[rhino509]

you should post tank dimensions

 

[PHOTOG]

Sorry, I think its about 31 inches deep and about the same in diameter...kinda square if you see what i mean.

 

[rhino509]

im thinking a pendant light/setup would be good for this tank,problably will want 250 watt halides,maybe could get away with less depending on what you want to have.get more opinions/suggestions as i am still pretty new to reefing.good luck with yor new tank.

keith

 

[LooseHip]

Ha!, No corals... watch out pretty soon those corals will look pretty enticing! That is exactly what I said when I started but now I have a tank full of assorted corals.. (SPS,LPS, and softies). Not trying to be a jerk or anything, but you might want to get a good light to start. That way later on down the road you will not have to upgrade if you do decide to keep other corals..

I talked to "thegrimreefer". He seems to be well educated on lighting. You could PM him with your tank dimensions, and I am sure he can lead you in the right direction.

When I got the tank (used) it only came with a 1x96 watt power compact. Since then I have built a canopy and added a retro fit t5 system.

Currently I run 2x39 watt t5's, and the 1x96 watt Power Compact light (PC) for actinics.. The only reason I am running a PC light with my t5's is I too am on a tight budget, and I was able to retro fit the PC light in my canopy with the new t5's.. I bought my lights from:

www.hellolights.com

Good luck though, and I do recommend talking with "thegrimreefer". I know there are other light guru's out there but he is a local reefer that was very helpful to me.

Cheers!