I am getting ready to set up a 75 gallon tank in the next month or two. It is the standard rectangle size. I would like some lighting suggestions. I don't want to have to buy three or four times before I get it right. LFS sent me home with 2 40wt bulbs (1white & 1 blue) and said that was enough for anything I wanted in the tank. Well I know better now! I want enough for corals, polyps, maybe an anemone too. Any suggestions or ideas?
need lighting ideas
- Thread starter poohmarie
- Start date
What type of center brace does it have?poohmarie said:
'Corals' is too generic to determine the lighting needs. There is a world of difference in lighting for SPS corals, and LPS corals, and softies/mushrooms.
Anemones generally require moderate to high lighting. But it depends on the type of anemone as well.
Once you have a better idea on what you're likely to want to keep, and depending on what type of center brace you've got you can go lots of ways on this size tank. I've got 440w VHO, and a single 175w 20k MH over the center. I don't have a center brace though. Lots of people that have the wide oceanic bracing go with two 175w 10k MH lamps and two 110w VHO actinic bulbs. This would be enough for softies, most LPS, and some of the easier SPS. If you want mainly SPS, perhaps clams, and the needier anemones, then two 250w MH and actintic supliments may be the way to go.
If you don't like SPS, or clams, and only want a bubble tip anemone, then you could get away with just VHOs, t-5s, or even PCs.
B
Hi poohmarie
What are the dimensions of your tank? Specifically, what is the height of your tank?
Most reliable sources on the internet state that anemones need at least 3-5 watts of light per gallon (in a standard depth tank, 18" or shallower). In a 75gallon, that would equate to at least 225watts (375watts to be on the safe side). This is, of course, using either VHOs, PCs or t5s.
What does this all mean? Light tubes come in different ratings. Normal Output, which has a normal (low) output, not suitable for most photosynthetic corals; VerhHigh Output (significantly higher ligh output for same wattage); more suitable for many soft corals and most LPS and some species of SPS corals. If used in enough quantity, anemones may be housed in such a setup.
Power Compacts and T5s are similar to VHOs. Next up there are Halides, by far the most beautiful, powerful and expensive. Get these and you can keep almost anything including clams. Also create beautiful rippling light effect on tank bottom.
If you dont wanna go with halides, i recommend PCs, they look like too thin tubes stuck together. I've been using them (albeit at 7+watts per gallon) over my old 4footer and everything was fine. Bear in mind that i didnt try SPS or clamsin that tank.
In reference to corals, what were you thinking of getting? And the anemone? if youre a beginner and dont know the names, check the liveaquaria website for the names. We will be able to help you more when youve decided what you wanna keep.
Hope this helps.
What are the dimensions of your tank? Specifically, what is the height of your tank?
Most reliable sources on the internet state that anemones need at least 3-5 watts of light per gallon (in a standard depth tank, 18" or shallower). In a 75gallon, that would equate to at least 225watts (375watts to be on the safe side). This is, of course, using either VHOs, PCs or t5s.
What does this all mean? Light tubes come in different ratings. Normal Output, which has a normal (low) output, not suitable for most photosynthetic corals; VerhHigh Output (significantly higher ligh output for same wattage); more suitable for many soft corals and most LPS and some species of SPS corals. If used in enough quantity, anemones may be housed in such a setup.
Power Compacts and T5s are similar to VHOs. Next up there are Halides, by far the most beautiful, powerful and expensive. Get these and you can keep almost anything including clams. Also create beautiful rippling light effect on tank bottom.
If you dont wanna go with halides, i recommend PCs, they look like too thin tubes stuck together. I've been using them (albeit at 7+watts per gallon) over my old 4footer and everything was fine. Bear in mind that i didnt try SPS or clamsin that tank.
In reference to corals, what were you thinking of getting? And the anemone? if youre a beginner and dont know the names, check the liveaquaria website for the names. We will be able to help you more when youve decided what you wanna keep.
Hope this helps.
Seems like these two are on top of things 
I will add that I have used most all of the lighting the hobby has to offer and then some things not available to the public.
The two that I would choose for a 75 would either be T5's - they pack the most output and color for their size and if you use an icecap ballast, you will never have a problem and get the best life from the bulb.
The other would be metal halides. For a standard 75, I would do 2x250. With T5 actinic supplimentation for overall color, look and dusk/dawn effect.
The choice is strictly yours tho and it really depends on what you plan on keeping. Good luck with your endeavors and we look forward to seeing some pics! :lol:
I will add that I have used most all of the lighting the hobby has to offer and then some things not available to the public.
The two that I would choose for a 75 would either be T5's - they pack the most output and color for their size and if you use an icecap ballast, you will never have a problem and get the best life from the bulb.
The other would be metal halides. For a standard 75, I would do 2x250. With T5 actinic supplimentation for overall color, look and dusk/dawn effect.
The choice is strictly yours tho and it really depends on what you plan on keeping. Good luck with your endeavors and we look forward to seeing some pics! :lol: