Lighting Requirements

[bangit]

Hi there, im currently planning my move into Marines!

Done some extensive reading here and on ur.net (currently seems to be down for some reason?)

Im looking at a tank around 36x18x18 - fish and soft corals (as a newbie to marines im not going for any fancy hard to keep corals)

Lighting - ruled out metal halides due to cost. Maybe in the future but not at the mo! So going for T5s - the unit will be an overtank.

Any recommendations? Advice?

Thanks

 

[andywg]

If you don't want to make a hood you can buy an expensive luminaire. If you can make a wooden box then you can save a bundle by buying the ballasts from an electrical distrubtor (Osram ballasts are the most commonly found) and then buying the bulbs separately. I did this and save a fortune.

 

[SkiFletch]

Sounds good. Do remember when purchasing T5 lamps that reflectors are key when using them. Each bulb must have its own individual reflector. Also, for softies and an 18" tall tank, I'd suggest a 4-tube setup (39watts each)