Halide Aquarium Light
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
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Reef aquarium lighting advice needed?
I am building a 46gal bow front reef right now and needed advice on lighting. I am not too familiar with what I need. I read that I need 4 to 8 watts per gallon for reef aquariums. Is that the only parameter I should be worried about? I would like to not be limited on the types of corals I can keep but I know that is unlikely due to my budget, but what do you recommend? Should I be looking to get compact fluorescents, VHO T-5s, metal halides or what? I'd like to keep the lighting under $200 if possible
power compacts tend to break frequently (had 2 both broke within a 2 years)
I've never used theVHO T-5 's so I won't comment on those
MH are great to use for reefs you just have to watch your tank temp they run hotter than other lighting.
3 wattts per gallon will let you keep any soft coral
5 watts per gallon is needed for most hard coral
and if you want anemones or clams you will need about 7 watts per gallon.(unless you can put them close to the light)
I have MH 5 watts per gallon and can grow almost anything.
not sure what you will be able to find under $200 (maybe look on craigslist or ebay?)
Reef Tank Metal Halide Light Startup