Lighting?

[jeremys]

Just bought a new tank 36x18x16.5 (l-w-h) to start a reef tank. With my tank being shallow and wanting corals and anemone, I dont know what light to use. Looking for bang for my buck, but I also want sufficient light for growth in my tank. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[zoalover34]

Get 2x175 MH lights.. I would recomend a 14k bulb as well that should be enough light to keep anything you wanna have in your tank.. Some places sell retro kits that are sometimes cheaper than buying a whole set up or you can check your local reefers that may be taking down their tank and get a cheap set up that way.. HTH

 

[quaddity]

Yep I agree 2x 175MH will give you plenty of light for anything. I only have one 175w 14k mogul on my 40 breeder (what you have) and it puts out a good amount of light.

 

[Whiskers]

are the MH's expensive? would HOT5's get close for the price or limit what coral that can be kept? thought i would toss that in (not trying to hijack thread) to give more possible options. i'm no pro and learning from others and what i read.

 

[Lotus]

T5 HO can work well, you just need to make sure you get enough bulbs in the fixture. To be honest, I don't know if a 6-bulb or a 4-bulb fixture would be best for your tank. I have a Tek fixture that I'm very happy with.

As for price, you basically have to bite the bullet and spend out on a really good fixture from the start. A Tek 36" with 6 bulbs will run around $350 (including bulbs).

 

[quaddity]

For a 40 breeder a T5 with 6 bulbs should grow anything I would think. You can get 2 175w metal halides for cheaper then $350 if you buy retrofits and install them your self. Craigslist is an option too if it's active in your area. I bought a year old 175w ballast with reflector/mogul socket and 3 lightly used 20k bulbs for $90 last month off CL.