lighting

[supersam]

right now I only have 2 18 " bulb (came with aquarium). It's a 55 fish only tank but I would like to make it into a reef tank someday. I was wondering if I could make this light work for a reef tank? I would probably have to buy new bulbs for it, what do you think?

petsmart light

 

[The Reefer]

I really don't know. The bulbs can get pretty expensive alone. When I set up my reef tank, I had the same light hood that came with the tank, but was told to go ahead and buy new lighting, so I went with the Coralife PC's. But remember that when you have a reef tank, you usually have to replace the bulbs every 6 months or so.
You might be able to get away with just putting an actinic and 50/50 bulb in that hood. But like I said, I'm not really sure, I don't know of anyone who has done that.

 

[Salt Freak]

I QOULD SUGGEST HALIDES TWO 250 WATT 14k HALIDES WOULD BE NICE ALONG WITH ATINIC IF YOU WANT TO DO CORALS.

 

[Malawiandude]

Not sure how hardcore u wanna go but u can buy 220w 48" including bulbs and shipping for $100 right now on ebay, seller has lots of them. That could keep some soft corals and zoo's and shrooms'

 

[RamJet]

Coralife make as nice power compact with built in fans and moon lighting. I think it runs around $300 or so. Your other option would be to go MH, but then your looking at $700 and up.