Lighting, for Dummies?

skeety · 03-05-2005, 04:15 PM

OKay...so I'm trying to understand various lighting options, and I'm looking for help. I know the MAIN thing is, it depends on what I want in the tank.

Right now, I have a FOWLR, but in the months to come, I am interested in getting some clams, anemone's, feather-dusters, and some other misc SPS's (not sure).

I know normal lights that come with the tank are no good.

And I know MH's are SUPER hot (so I'd like to stay away from them, as my g/f doesn't like the look of the raised lighting).

We definitely want moon lighting (so we can watch the inverts at night). Other than that...no clue.

So I found this:

http://www.hellolights.com/484xcoluaqde.html

I have a 48" 72 gln bowfront.

Would I need two? is one enough? too much? Is this just totally wrong for me?

Also, my tank has a glass top, with a separate canopy (for apperance).

Can I lay lights on the glass canopy? or will this be too hot?
Do I have to worry about the plastic canopy? It's about 6" high, with big holes in the back. Any help would be appreciated.

Even if you can just point me to a lighting FAQ, or dummies guide...

tims · 03-05-2005, 04:28 PM

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-08/dw/index.htm

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.htm
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...03/feature.htm

here are a few links for reading...
those pc's are 65w thnk you can upgrade to the 96 one's?

Dani · 03-05-2005, 05:51 PM

just a question- what is moon lighting? I'm new at this and it sounds cool.

skeety · 03-05-2005, 05:56 PM

It's a very subtle blue lighting that allows you to see things at night, without keeping the fish up.

Some people on here might have a picture of their tank with just the moon lights on. Hopefully someone will post. It's pretty nice

Dani · 03-05-2005, 06:15 PM

Thanks. Sounds cool. Maybe I'll look into it for my tank

skeety · 03-06-2005, 11:27 AM

Nobody answered my question on positioning.

If I got this (PC), with 4x95w, I probably couldn't just lay this on my glass cover, could I?

VWD · 03-06-2005, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeety

Nobody answered my question on positioning.

If I got this (PC), with 4x95w, I probably couldn't just lay this on my glass cover, could I?

I like to have the glass tops off, I think glass blocks out light and get dirty. and set the light as close to the water as I can, I have always removed the glass tops, I don't know what kind of fixture You have,Do You have a conopy on it
Vince

skeety · 03-06-2005, 12:18 PM

Yeah...I have a canopy. I understand what you're saying about the Glass getting dirty...but it also slows down evaporation.

Do the lights close to the water ever get wet? Isn't that bad?

VWD · 03-06-2005, 12:38 PM

I have alot of water movement on the surface but I don't allow it to splash up and have no trouble with it , The bulbs are about 3 1/2 inch from the water ,Just have to check them from time to time and make sure they are not getting wet and You may have to wipe them down from time to time to get a salt film off them, and evaporation helps cool the tank in the summer .
Vince

tims · 03-06-2005, 02:53 PM

you could cover the top with egg crate., but having them a few inches off the water would be good.

drsyme · 03-06-2005, 03:47 PM

Can you keep SPS and clams without MH?

tims · 03-06-2005, 03:50 PM

i have heard SPS done with T5's not sure about a clam. i quess if it was right under the lights.......

wharyat · 03-06-2005, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drsyme

Can you keep SPS and clams without MH?

Yes, I have a few sps with good growth and color; also have a baby maxima (which doesn't rely on light). All under 2x65 pc's on a 20g.