New Tank - Lighting Question

[Lv2bUnderC]

Hi all,

I just got a Perfecto 90G RR set up and cycled and was wondering what specific lighting package would best suit my tank in the hopes of maintaining some basic corals without breaking the bank. The LFS simply gave me an AGA lighting kit which I figure is fine for a community tank, but if I want to have some semblance of a true reef tank, I figure I need a significant upgrade. Any ideas for lighting specs or specific lighting packages you might recommend would be greatly appreciated!

 

[jaymz101]

Ive got a Tek T% on my 50 breeder and I love it. So so all of my corals.

 

[SaltyDr]

I think he meant T5 HO lights. Very versatile lights which allow you to keep just about anything, are not too hot and the cost is reasonable. Still expect to pay 400-500 dollars new. Look on the used goods forum, local reef club or on Craigs list for some quality used lights.

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

i am using the 4 54watt icecap T5 retro over my 75 gal. and everything loves it.

 

[jon99]

If you are wanting to keep fish and some soft coral and maybe a few LPS most people will recommend powercompacts. If you want clams and SPS you're gonna need halides. The T5 from what I understand are sorta inbetween and can be used for SPS in shallower tanks and still get decent coral growth. I have never used them myself so I'm not speaking from experience. No need to shell out $500. I bought a brand new 4 x 65 watt powercompact hood off ebay for just over $100. It's definetly not the highest quality and doesn't have moonlights and all the extra bells and whistles but it has worked great for over 4 years now. IMO it's more important you get better quality bulbs then the fixture itself. I got my metal halides for $75 used from a fellow reefer. 2 X 175watt, came with bulbs, ballast and all wiring. It was a retrofit kit (had to mount it myself). They have been running strong for 2 years now. Moral of the story: you don't have to break the bank to buy lights for your reef tank. Shop around, especially craigslist. You wouldn't believe how many people spend thousands on a new reef set up only to decide a month later it's too much for them and sell it all at a fraction of the cost. Good luck!