I got my new 55 gallon tank set up! (Need Lighting Advice)

[matt_vasko]

I was on craigslist the other day and someone was getting out of the hobby and placed an ad (under free stuff) for a 55 gallon tank stand standard lights (15 watt each) and wet dry system. Complete set up including fish!! Tom the tomato clown and spike the angry looking damsel (both are 4 years old) hahaha. They are awesome. I'm looking to see if anyone can help me with lighting situation. I want to keep the Xenias from my old nano tank and some of the plants that came on a live rock. I don't want anything more than Xenias. I'm looking on eBay right now and i found some lights I'll attach the links http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=013

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=360022552454

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=006

Are any of these lights good??????

Are they to much light for my application????

Which bulbs would be cheapest to replace???

Lastly and more importantly haha Does anyone have an old light that would work for me? I'm still on a budget and considering the tank was free haha

[MikeAtJax]

I do not like any of the choices, too little out put and cost to replace the bulbs. Look for a T-5 set up. If you are handy to put it together yourself. Like at Hellolights.com.

[matt_vasko]

I thought the links i attached used t-5???? very confusing haha well I'm looking at the link you sent and I'm not sure if I'm handy enough to retrofit or whatever.... What wattage do you think i need???

How many day light K's

How many watts of the blue bulb atinic i think

Last question not related to lights haha What if i added a Yellow tang would they bother him if he was small and of would the tang both my Tomato clown and or huge damsel

[Jnicho]

I've actually used the Odyssea lights...they are not high end but for what you want will work fine...they are not as bright as the newer T5 setups but not as expensive either. Bulbs need to be replaced more frequently than T5's too, but you can find PC bulbs pretty cheap these days. For an LPS/softy tank I've been reasonably happy with them. Now if you are interested in SPS, clams, most anemones these lights will not cut it.

BTW...it looks like you essentially have the same setup on all three links...If that's what you go with just pick the best seller/price combo.

[MikeAtJax]

They look like CF lights to me and that is expensive to replace every six months.

A tomato clown is aggressive so you might want to reconsider it.

[matt_vasko]

Awesome thanks for the advice. I am trying to buy a cheap decent looking light that will support Xenia and some plants. I don't know what LPS means haha but thanks again
Unless someone knows of a cheaper way that looks like my best option?

[MikeAtJax]

T5 replacement is cheaper. I would wait to until you have the time to do some research first. the fish will be fine until then.

[Jadinop]

The 48" Nova Extreme T5 fixture is pretty decent for the price. Doesn't have individual reflectors but will definately grow softies like zenia. You could step up the the Pro version which has more bulbs and a formed reflector that is supposed to wrap around the bulbs better.

[MikeAtJax]

If you are waiting for a good deal, wait and research.

[matt_vasko]

Ok i did a little bit of research and i found a bunch of lights i'll paste there links Please let me know wich one would be best.

http://cgi.ebay.com/48-T5HO-T5-Aquar...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ODYSSEA-48-260W-...QQcmdZViewItem
This one is a hell of a deal but its power compacts and thats bad? And the bulbs are expensive?

This one to me seems to be the winner
http://cgi.ebay.com/MHS-48-T6-HO-Aqu...QQcmdZViewItem
This fixture is only 216, would that fact that is uses t5 bulbs better than a 260 power compact?

Thanks again for all your help
Matt

[Jnicho]

Originally Posted by matt_vasko

Awesome thanks for the advice. I am trying to buy a cheap decent looking light that will support Xenia and some plants. I don't know what LPS means haha but thanks again
Unless someone knows of a cheaper way that looks like my best option?

LPS - Large Polyp Stony (Brain coral, plate coral, bubble coral, etc)
SPS - Small Polyp Stony (Acropora, montipora, birdsnest, etc)

SPS need much more light than LPS or soft corals (xenia, colt, zoanthids, etc.)

T5/T6 is the newer technology so to speak (other than LED $$$) so if you can get it for a good price over PC lighting go for it. A good T5 setup will give you more flexibility in the future. Right now you only want Xenia and stuff, but those of us who have been around a while now how that works!!!! I still use PC lights on my LPS/softy tank and I'm happy with it since I know where to find bulbs pretty cheap.

[chrisdamage]

no offense... but it sounds to me like you need to really slow down and do some reading...

get some books and check out wetwebmedia.com

its not that we aren't here to help you out, it just seems like you are asking common questions that could be easily answered by a little reading

again, not trying to be a jerk... just offering up some helpful advice.

[matt_vasko]

I am very apperciative of everyones help, and i don't mean to be annoying. I know I don't have all the terminology done YET but i'm trying. I seek everyone here's opinions, because it is your opinions i trust.
Thank you again
Matt

[Jadinop]

I would suggest hitting some of the local fish stores and seeing what is available first. There is no better way to decide what kind of lighting you prefer than to see it with your own eyes.

Also, you are taking a big chance with some of those cheap fixtures on ebay. Low quality ballasts and bulbs along with questionable wiring are not how you want to start off your new tank. There is a reason those fixtures are priced so low and it is not because they are selling them for less than they cost to manufacture. In this hobby, you definately get what you pay for.

[jly757]

Hello, I have a 48" Satellite 24 hour system I will give you. It has two 10.000K day light T-5's and two 460nm Actinic T-5's. Call 904-507-9596 cell. Hopefully you haven't bid on any of the other lights yet.