lighting, step one

[new2salt]

Brand new to the hobby, so new that there isn't even water in the tank yet! The tank is 55 gal long, plan to start with FOWLR set up, but hope to begin adding anemones rather soon thereafter.
I've read a number of books, postings, website advice, etc., but still seem to lost on the lighting set up. Really hoping for advice from ground up--this kind of hood, DIY or shelf, type of lights, etc.
Any help would be appreciated!
Heidi

[johnwallis]

pc's are always good to start with

[mhossom]

Heidi,

Welcome to CMAS!!!!

for FOWLR any light that lets you see your fish will be fine. I would stay away from anemones if this is your first tank. they can be rather difficult to keep. If you want to add some movement and color to your tank I would go with VHO or PC lighting and add some of the easier soft corals rather than the anemones.

Anemones require direct feedings, specific light levels, depending on species and have a high mortality rate for the wild caught ones.

I would be more than happy to GIVE you some xenia and a couple of mushrooms for your tank. In fact I'll give you a frag of a very nice leather coral that I have. Just, please, wait on the anemones untill you get some experience under your belt.

now that I have ranted,back to lighting. If you intend on putting anything other than fish in your tank I would get an Icecap 660 ballast and 4 110w VHO bulbs. that would allow you to keep just about anything in your 55, aside from most SPS (small polyp stoney).

btw, this is a great place to ask questions, so fire away.

[new2salt]

Okay let's assume I go out and purchase this ballast, don't I then have to build a canopy, add fans, end caps etc?

[johnwallis]

i can help you buld a light for your tank just let me know what you want in it

[dgasmd]

Heidi:

Welcomed to CMAS. Don't feel bad about not being clear on the lighting since most of us after years are not clear either.

mhossom is very right about his advise. Anemones are not for beginers. They may tell you otherwise in some stores, but it is definately not the animal to be kept by people that haven't been successfull for a while.

As far as your lighting choices, there is a multitude of choices, which is probably one of the things that adds to the confusion. The best way to give you advice as to which choice is to find out what you want to keep ultimately. HOwever, I always fond it funny when people told me that at the begining since not knowing much about anything is hard to make that choice at the start. For a 55g tank, VHO is a very good choice. You could fit
4 x 110 watt bulbs over a 55 just fine. Yes, you would need a canopy to have them under and you will likely need a least 2-3 small fans blowing air out of the canopy to keep the heat from frying your tank. Something else to keep in mind is the location of your tank. If you can ahve it in a palce where it gets direct sunlight, it is probably the best thing you can do for it regardless of any other equipment you eventually get. This is the time to find that sweet spot since you have it still empty. Also, air circulation in that room is important. You don't want to choose a spot that is in a room to small or in some hallway without much air movement. I am telling you because I already have that problmem, so you don't have it too. Trust me, you will never tear that tank down after it is set up to relocate it.

Given what you have said about starting with FO, I would stay away not only from any fish that may be problematic with corals, but also stay away from any fish that is questionable with another. You are starting out and the last thing you want to do is tear down your tank 3-4 months later to catch a fish that is not getting along with anything else.

My last piece of advice for now is continue to ask question here as you go along. You'll be amazed how much money you will save in your set up that can go towards livestock instead of equipment if you just ask. Also, there are some pretty knowledgeable people in this club that will be more than happy to help you not only to get started, but tackle problems and some other issues as you go. This is a very fun hobby and you should enjoy it all the way. http://www.cmas-md.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.cmas-md.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

PS: I guess I am glad I changed my avatar. I used to ahve that same one until a few weeks ago http://www.cmas-md.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.cmas-md.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[new2salt]

I'm understanding the 4 X 110 watt, I guess the next step is I don't know what I need to go with the ballest to build this lighting system. Of, for that matter, is this a run to Home Depot pick-up for the additional items or vist LFS/buy online.
Also, do I need a glass top for all of this to be arranged over and how high off the tank should it be positioned.

[dgasmd]

No to the home depot part and no to the glass top.

As far as the 4 x 110 watt VHO, you have a few choices. One is the Icecap 660 ballast. That you would need to buy a wiring harness for it, the end caps, and the bulbs to put it together. Online is your best bet for best pricing. The other choice, one I would personally favor, is the kits sold by an online store called hellolights (www.lampsnow.com). It comes already all wired with the endcaps, so all you have to do it put the end caps in your canopy, put the bulbs in, and turn it on. Very simple and much cheaper than the 660 icecap. They sell the bulbs too. I've used this same kit before and it is very good.

If you are going to use VHO, heating is not so much of an issue, but it will still create some heat. You can ahve your canopy with the lights under it about 2-4" off above the water surface. remember to clean off your bulbs periodicly, regardless of how high or low they are since they will get salt over them. http://www.cmas-md.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.cmas-md.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[reeffoto]

The Ballast at Hellolights is a very good deal, since it includes endcaps and reflector. If you go the VHO route I have a couple blue antinic bulbs you can have. They only have a couple months on them. Also if you do not plan on adding corals for awhile you might be able to use Normal output bulbs with the ballast you chose then switch to VHO's at a later date. I know you can use NO bulbs with an Icecap ballast not sure about other ballast. Normal Output bulbs run $5 vice $25. Good luck and keep the questions coming. The best thing you can do to have a successful saltwater aquarium is research it then do it or buy it.

[new2salt]

If I purchase this kit (http://www.hellolights.com/4laaromo4lvb.html) it indicates that you basically just attach the end caps to a "wood frame" add bulbs and plug it in......wouldn't I also need to add some kind of reflector-type top piece and fans as well?

[reeffoto]

It comes with the reflector. You can get fans at Radio shack or online such as ebay.

[new2salt]

I found the one with the reflector, I just had to make a couple of more clicks! Thanks. How many fan units will I need to run with 4x110s and which size should I buy?

[mhossom]

My opinion is that one on each end blowing into the hood with a vent in the back to let the air out should be plenty.

[reeffoto]

The 46.5" will probably fit best in a canopy but you might be able to fit a 48".  Either order lights to fit canopy or build or buy canopy to fit lights

[dgasmd]

All good advise above. Also, bewar that VHO bulbs come with reflector inside of them. 50% of the internal wall of the bulbs have a coating in them that acts as a reflector, so you really don't need a reflector outside. Having said that, if you are going to get the kit, the cost difference is minimal.

I would go with the 46.5" bulbs instead of the 48". They cost the same and have the same output, but I think you'll find it that having the extra room on the sides will amke things easier.

[NAGA]

wow........a lot of light to start with........perhaps it might be an option to start with runing just 2 of the lights in the begining until your stocking level dictates otherwise. Why run all that lighting on a tank that is going to have little in it in the begining.

just a thought http://www.cmas-md.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/down.gif

jeff