New tank setup

[RFL]

I have a 60g tank that I took down so that I could consolidate my tanks. I really miss it though, and plan on setting up again. All I want in the tank is a pair of maroon clowns and live rock. Without breaking the bank (reason for inital breakdown) what is the esential equipment. I already have a backpac 2+ skimmer, but was unsure of what light and other equipment I need to maintain the live rock.

 

[zoomfish1]

Prob at minimum PC lights. They should promote decent coraline growth. Of course, if you get an anemone for them, PC's wouldn't work so well.

Might be good to plan ahead. Probably members on here with used lights.

 

[Serra]

Back in the old days, I kept a RBTA for seven years under regular old fluorescent lights. I had 4, 4 footers on a 115. The anemone grew to be about 20 inches across. I had coralline algae all over the place. I kept certain hard corals alive for years. Good water flow and maintenance will work.

Sheryl

 

[pwhitby]

i would do T5s. Same price as PCs but much brighter.

Add a heater and a powerhead, you are set.

.......now if it were me, I would get 2-3 inch of fine aragonite sand and 100lbs of good live rock. I would have 3-4 bulbs of t5s with Tek reflectors. At least two MJ1200s.

Paul.

 

[VCoo71]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8673476#post8673476 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pwhitby
i would do T5s. Same price as PCs but much brighter.

Add a heater and a powerhead, you are set.

.......now if it were me, I would get 2-3 inch of fine aragonite sand and 100lbs of good live rock. I would have 3-4 bulbs of t5s with Tek reflectors. At least two MJ1200s.

Paul.

from all my T-5 reading......go with the icecap SLR reflectors over the Tec/SLS .......more par due to a better design and they wont pit from saltcreep

charlie

 

[JR719]

If you get the Icecap, hurry. From what I read, SLS sent them a nasty gram to stop the manufacture and selling of the reflector, unless something has changed.

 

[RFL]

The T5's sound good, but would a small MH (150w) be better. It will have more heat output, but by the time I get 4 T5 bulbs, is it any less expensive?
Also, what are the thoughts on a bare bottom tank with live rock?

 

[papagimp]

fwiw, even if you pay the same price for a MH or T5 fixture, the t5 has cheaper bulbs for one, less heat for seconds, and the power usage is alot lower, cheaper electric bill.