Lighting - FOWLR

[LiveRockRob]

Hi All,

I've been researching for weeks as to if I should invest in major lighting $450+ or should I use the $$ on other essencial parts of my 80 Gal FOWLR system.

I still have to purchase at least 100 lbs. of Live Rock, Skimmer, Substrate, RO/DI unit, test equipment, etc.

So, my plan is to stick with Fish Only with Live Rock. I want to have a community tank, with a CUC and possibly few other invertebrates that do not require special lighting. Every where I read, I see individuals post comments that say something like: Any light will work for a FOWLR setup.

My tank is 60" long x 20" High, and I currently have a standard fixture with a 48" long 32W bulb.

1) I was wondering if this is good enough for my tank? (Will this grow caroline alge?)

2) I originally thought that caroline algea is what one wants in the tank, but many posters mentioned that they originally wanted it, than could not get rid of it. It consumed their tank. Is that true? and Why?

3) If not, what am I missing? (Inexpensive way to add what you think I need)

Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions?

Robert

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

For a fowlr tank you can light the tank with any light you want nothing needs it to survive. As for the coralline it will come eventually and you'll say, "this is awesome I must be doing something right in my tank!" and then in a few months when your scraping it off your glass you'll be singing another tune. I guess you can equate it to snow in the winter..... The first sign of snow your happy then by the end of winter your cussing at the snow plow because he covered your car again

 

[GW81]

if you're not going to ever do coral, save your $. Not necessary. Most upgraded lighting systems do make the colors in your tank pop more though.

 

[baldomero]

me personally i dont like corals (in my tank atleast) but once u get into a fowlr who knows u might wanna go reef later so if u have the money yeah i would think u should get some decent lighting right now fish look good with good lighting and maybe after u have ur fishtank done u might wanna put ina coral or two

 

[fender4string]

From one FOWLR guy to another-don't cheap out completely on the lighting. I'm running 160 watts of crappy pc's on an 85 gallon and I really don't feel that it's bright enough or that the colors are as good as they should be.

But that being said I still wouldn't break the bank for the reasons people already gave. If you have the money look into a decent set of T5s (better color than halides unless you like the shimmer). If you're on a budget the lights can wait.

 

[fender4string]

One more quick thing-definitely invest in the best skimmer you can buy. That should definitely come before lights.