newbie lighting questions

[boundless1]

I know this is a disputed topic but, what are the lighting needs for a 75g reef tank?

I am new to this so I have not worked out a list of what will be in the tank yet...I know this makes a difference (sorry). Some suggestions about different lighting needs related to different stocking plans would be helpful.

Opinions about the pros and cons of VHO,PC, and MH would also be helpful.

Also, opinions about the differences in costs as well as particular brands or products preferences would be very welcome.

I know this is a lot of information to ask about but... I'm NEW and Full of questions!!

Thanks for any guidance !!!

Anthony

[TroyF]

Welcome to the hobby Anthony. You are asking a lot. I'd suggest first deciding what animals you want to keep and then doing a search not just on this board but on the others as well. www.reefs.org www.reefcentral.com are good starting points.

All of the lighting types have their merits, personal preference plays a large part in all opinions you'll read.

edit: you'll get a lot of information on lighting and husbandry in a book called the Natural Reef Aquarium by John Tullock. The Reef Aquarium by Charles Delbeek and Julian Sprung, the Modern Coral Reef Aquarium by Fossa and Nilsen and Aquarium Corals by Eric Borneman are all fantastic reads.

[Hermit]

Welcome to the addiction.

I agree with Troy. It's best to know what you want to keep before deciding on the lights.

FWIW, I like the shimmer effect of the MH supplemented with VHO actinics.

[Brooke]

Hi Anthony-

I think you really can't go wrong with an Icecap 660 ballast and 4 4' VHO's. You'll be able to keep a wide variety of corals with this lighting.

Down the line you can always use a spare VHO ballast .

Feel free to ask questions..we're here to help!
Brooke

[FishDaddy]

Anthony,
I agree with everybody so far! Lighting is the most controversial and hotly debated topic around! The 3 main issues are: (1) What do you want to keep? (2) What is your personal preference within the general requirements for what you want to keep? and (3) What can you afford?

For a new setup, you really can't go wrong with Ice Cap 660 and VHO as Brooke said. This is a very reliable and proven ballast and VHO will supply light requirements for a wide range of corals. There are other ballasts (use electronic only, please! ) and many are good and some less expensive, but Ice Cap is the standard by which others are measured. PC lighting has improved to give a wider choice of bulbs but the PC/VHO debate is still largely a matter of personal preference, IMHO. The Ice Cap ballasts will run either VHO, PC, or a combination of each.

Eric Borneman's book, Aquarium Corals, gives light requirements for corals and also has extensive info on the whys and wherefores of reef lighting.

Here are some good articles and sites, from basic to advanced:

http://www.candybass.com/lightingtypes.htm
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch..._Code=Lighting
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...02/Feature.htm
http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog...le_090599.html

HTH,
Dick

[Heavan]

Uhhh.... I agree I think if you decide what kind of animals you would like you will have an easier time choosing your lighting. This research will hopefully prevent you from having to upgrade a year from now. PFO now makes a ballest that is compatible to the Ice Cap 660 plus in most stores you should get the wiring harness and end caps at no extra charge.
Good Luck and WELCOME!!!!
Renae

[semajftw]

I'm looking into setting up the same size tank. Here is what I am planning for the display tank (refugium lighting not included):

2 250W MH
2 110W VHO actinics with an Ice cap ballast


Custom build a canopy and use 2-3 fans

but that is just my opinion,
and i plan on keeping SPS and Clams,
If you do not want to keep the "light lovers" you could probably cut down to 4 VHOs

HTH - James