Lightning for 55G tank

[freshwater]

Need advice on what type of lights to use for 55G 48" 12" 18"H.
will be keeping soft, LPS corals and clams.

I was looking at 47" of PC 6x55W from petsupplyliquidator.com for $325.

Any other better options.
Do I really need MH lights or 6x55W PC is good enough. (330W).

Do i need to have a refugium? for 55G OR i can have a reef without a refugium. pros or cons?

I am still considering may be go with 75G tank rather then 55G.

 

[reef newbie]

I too have a 55G with the same dimensions

I currently keep soft, LPS, SPS and 1 clam
I started out with 55W x 4 PC but am currently running dual 175W 10K AB with 2 actinic VHO.

If you're planning to keep clams, I'll definitely recommend MH. I've read that others have kept clams successfully with VHO only. Once you use MH though, you'll love it 8)

I had a refugium but did away with it due to lack of space (I recently added a calcium reactor). With the refugium, my copod (sp?) population was great. Lots of life in the main tank but my xenias did poorly due to lack of nutrients in the water. I believe my macro algea used it all up. That's just my theory though If I had the room, I'd definitely keep a refugium.

The 55g that I currently have was a used tank that was given to me. If I had to buy my tank I'd go bigger like a 75g, not a 55g. Price wise, not too much of a difference. Now that I think about it, I'd love to have a 125g or even a 180g.... 8O

HTH, :wink:

 

[beerbaron]

GO 75. the 55 is to narrow to stack rocks IMO. i made the switch quickly.
BB

 

[ChrisRD]

Another vote for the 75...

BTW, I almost setup an old 75 I had not long ago. If I had done it, I was going to use an Aqualine hood.

 

[fishfarmer]

As a 55 owner who held back on a 75. Go 75 and dual MH. You will have the added bottom space for clams.

 

[freshwater]

I am also looking at 55G oceanic reef ready with VHO.
How is Trickle filter setup as a sump. I will be having LR and LS.
Any pros or cons for trickle filter since I have never used this before.

Thanks. 8O

 

[31-2c]

Definately go with the 75

Freshwater: Get a 75 and buy a cheap used smaller tank for a sump, you will get more room and will save some cash.

As for lighting, I think you could get a dual 175w MH setup cheaper than what you were looking to pay for the PC, and you get much better light.

Just my Opinion

David

 

[Tybond]

I too have a 55g all glass aquarium... and I agree with all others... go with at least the 75! you just don't realize how much a couple inches can be till you are faced with the problem. 55g is good but man are they narrow when you try adding your liverock.
as an added opinion to consider, I know it just keeps getting bigger but you might seriously compare the deminsions of a 75g and a 90g. the foot print is the same length and width but you will get added hight from the 90. one big reason people so strongly opt away from the 55 and to the 75 is width but they dont realize that the added width on a 75 makes the hight from top to bottom look shallower. a 90 gallon will give you the same width and length but you will gain back the hight.

As for lighting, I have tried alot of variations.
4x55w pc's
8x55w pc's
vho act and pc's
and finally 2x250w MH and 4x55w PC's.

I will recommend the halides for sure. I wish i had invested in them at the start!
Heat can be an issue if you are running a closed canopy but you can counter this by installing dual fans in the canopy and take out the back of the canopy. my tank runs 82degrees year round now and I keep softies, lps, and clams.

to recap my long letter(Sorry)
go at least 75 and check out 90
go for the MH!!!!!!!!!! 175 will work good, 250w adds benifit that you can use the cheaper iwasaki 6500k bulbs!
HAng on refugium is a great alternative to taking up precious space or better yet, make your own out of a 10 gallon tank mounted behind and just above the top of the tank.
Hope this helps in some small way.
ty

 

[ChrisRD]

I am also looking at 55G oceanic reef ready with VHO.

If you want to keep clams, as others have already recommended, you should plan on halides.

How is Trickle filter setup as a sump.

With the biomedia removed, a trickle filter would be fine for a sump, but there are cheaper options.

I will be having LR and LS.
Any pros or cons for trickle filter since I have never used this before.

You don't need a trickle filter. With the LR, LS and a skimmer you don't need any other filtration.

 

[freshwater]

Well its not 55g nor 75G but I got a 72G Bowfront and it looks great.

I am going more towards a combination of 2x55W PC (50/50) and one 250W MH ( still not sure HQI or Mogul base ).

Any good online places to buy these.


Thanks.

 

[ReefLion]

>>>Lightning for 55G tank<<<

Hope you've got a GFCI.