Lighting Question

[saltwatersucker]

Hey guys I just purchased a used 35 gallon acrylic tank with built in filtration it measures 3 feet wide by 15 inches tall by 15 inches deep. I would like to make it a reef tank and am in need of some suggestions on lighting, as usual as is a reefers M O money is allways an issue but but I am open to all ideas or if anyone knows of anything or has anything that might work for this set up it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for all of the wonderful advice that is sure to come.
SalwaterSucker
Jerry and Rachael

 

[Unarce]

Depends on what you'd like to keep. Softies and LPS, you can go fluorescent with PC or VHO. SPS and clams, you'll want to look into T5's or metal halides. The best lighting advice is to buy what you really want right away, instead of upgrading over and over.

A dual 150W hood would be ideal. You could even skip actinics altogether, as the narrow spread would work perfectly with the narrow width of the tank. There were a couple of used 36" hoods being sold in the BAR forum not too long ago, or you could DIY it with a couple of pendants in a canopy.

If you think you're not ready for metal halides, I'd look into DIY'ing T5's with the individual reflectors.

 

[saltykelly]

I have suggested this to someone before, but check out aquatraders.com for lighting. A pci setup for that tank would only run $269. 78 watt T5's for $49, and 192 watt CF for $79. I have had two CF's for a year and I am upgrading to their PCI system.

 

[Justin74]

This thread may be helpfull for you, as there all good suggestions to any questions you may have.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=969408

-Justin

 

[saltwatersucker]

Thanks everyone for the great info and help!!!