Lighting

[cyeater]

If I was to purchase Current USA 48" Satellite 2x65 watt fixture, what corals could I keep with the unit I'm referring to is:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CU01006

and what would be a good amount of Live Rock to have in a 75 Gallon...

Sorry kind of a double post..

Chris

 

[d4a2n0k]

Truthfully, not many corals. Mushrooms and some softies will be ok but thats not a lot of light over a 75. PC's are very inefficient due to their shape. Half of the light gets reflected back into itself because they are so wide.

If you dont mind me asking, what is your budget? We can recommend a fixture in your price range then.

 

[cyeater]

Any ideas give them to me, I am very open minded!

 

[d4a2n0k]

This fixture will allow you to keep anything but the most light demanding corals.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...T5_HO_Fixture_with_Bulbs___by_Sunlight_Supply

This fixture will allow you to keep anything.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...W_T5_HO_Fixture_with_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply

T-5's are by far the most efficient lighting but in order to get the most out of them, they require individual parabolic reflectors which both of the above units have. Those reflectors increase the output by about 300%. There are cheaper T-5 fixtures but they dont come with individual parabolic reflectors. They will use one reflector for all the bulbs but you will lose a lot of light. T-5 bulbs are so thin that without the proper reflectors, they are basically useless. I cant stress enough the importance of these reflectors.

If you're feeling a little crazy, you can go a step up to these:

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc..._Code=AT-AQIC4800-K&Category_Code=Aquactinics

This uses even better reflectors than the two above units and better ballasts. It is the top of the line domestic fixture. You can even go higher to some European fixtures but I have a feeling you wont want to spend $1000+?

You can also go with a retro-fit which is exactly like the above setups but without the actual fixture itself. This will only work if you have a canopy to put them in.

Good lighting is not cheap but if you think you will be in the hobby for a while, buy once and get something that will last. I cant tell you how many times Ive bought lights that were "good enough" only to kick myself 6 months down the road when I realized I made the wrong decision and end up buying the more expensive setup anyway.