How much light?

[lucidar]

I have a new 50 gal TruVu (36x15x20) that I'm setting up.

I want it to be a reef tank with SPS and maybe a clam, other stuff too.

I have been looking at the CustomSeaLife light fixtures. One is 24" and has 2X65watt PC bulbs. The other is 36" and has 2x96watt PC bulbs.

Are these good fixtures? Which light should I pick?

Lucidar

 

[Anonymous]

I will go with the three feeters, and make sure the SPS is pretty high up on the rock. For clam, it depends on what type. For T. cr., I will mount it high, while T. der. and T. squ. will be OK somewhere in the middle.

 

[ChrisRD]

Hey Lucidar,

I agree with DM - go for the 96 watt lamps. Personally, if I were going to light that tank with PCs and planned on keeping SPS and clams in it, I'd use the 4 X 96 watt fixture. That said, I'm not a big fan of PCs - I prefer other forms of lighting (just a preference thing).

 

[hillbilly]

Lucidar, Do you like the TruVu ? Is it well made?
I've been thinking about getting one myself. BTW,
I'd go with 36" fixture. Personally, I think MH is a
better choice though.

 

[lucidar]

Hillbilly-

It looks pretty good but I haven't filled the tank yet. I also got the model with the built in filter compartments. Now I'm reading all these posts about not needing a filter just using live sand and rock.

Lucidar

 

[ChrisRD]

I'm not familiar with that setup, but the compartments might be useful for periodically running carbon, or as a mini-fuge.