Lighting on a 125 semi-reef

[rossthefishman]

Semi-reef... Can that be?

Well, i wan to keep soft corals definately, and probably LPS and clams. But i need to know what lighting is required. As of right now, I have two 95 watt 50/50 compact flourescent bulbs on it. and two 95 watt daylight flourescent lights. Will this be enough lighting for my purposes? I don't want to do MH lights due to a limited budget. But i want to have plenty of light.

Thanks

-Tyler

 

[rossthefishman]

Bump

 

[rossthefishman]

haha, impatiently bumping

 

[rossthefishman]

also, would PC or T5's be better to go with for more light?

 

[luke33]

Ross, i'll be following along. I asked the same exact question a couple days before you, and yet no answer. Hope someone chimes in.

 

[axia55]

I'm no expert but I will give me opinion anyways :-D

I am assuming your 125g is a 72" tank correct? That would mean the 2x95w PC's stretch across the entire tank. I don't think there is really any kind of corals let alone LPS and Clams that would grow (or even survive) under those lights. I am using 2x65w PC's on my 24" 20g and I don't even think that is enough light for a clam. If you want something reasonably priced, look into Tek T5's from ReefGeek. I am about to place on order of my own based on the recommendations of many people on these boards/