Reef Tank Lighting

[SkankinSurfer05]

I am in the process of starting a new 46 gallon tank. Over time i plan to make it into a reef tank. I have everything i need except for the lighting. I am planning on buying a 96 watt power compact. Would this be enough light to support most corals? And would i need an overflow box and sump? Please help.
Thanks tons,
Alex O.

 

[Anonymous]

welcome to

If you want to keep SPS type corals i would have to say 96W isnt close enough to what you would need...you dont particularly need a sump or an overflow, i guess thats gonna depend on you what you want to do with your tank...perhaps a bit more information on what you plan on with your live stock will help us point you in a good direction

 

[hillbilly]

I don't know what you plan to keep, but I would consider getting MH lights from the start. It will save you from the expense of upgrading in the future.

 

[paats]

Agreed on the lighting.I`ve been from VHO to PC and now going to MH.I wish I`d bought the mh first cause now I have a lot of extra equiptment to get rid of at a considerable loss.As for the sump,I run a 55g with no sump and a HOB skimmer and it works great.I wouldn`t say a sump is needed but I don`t think it`s ever a bad idea to increase your water volume.Plus it gives you a place to hide heaters and pumps out of view.

 

[shawnz28]

Metal Halides are not a must. You could also consider something like a 3 bulb vho or pc setup(4 if you can fit them). With this you can keep most things you will want. I had a 75 gallon that I had a 6 bulb vho setup on and could keep anything I wanted with good color including acros montis etc....

 

[Dude]

for most corals u will be fine with a dual pc 96 wat setup. actually petsolutions has a dual pc 96 watt light setup with the lunar lights inside for 184. that is a great deal. u will be able to support some sps with that setup & a clam pending on the height in the tank.

 

[DaisyPolyp]

Metal Halides are not a must. You could also consider something like a 3 bulb vho or pc setup(4 if you can fit them). With this you can keep most things you will want. I had a 75 gallon that I had a 6 bulb vho setup on and could keep anything I wanted with good color including acros montis etc....

No doubt that you CAN keep sps under enough VHO's, the question is, when does it become worth it to just go with MH. Refer to this chart from an article by Dana Riddle in this month's AAOL magazine... It clearly shows the benefit you will get out of having more lighting in your tank: