Totally Confused

[Figstr822]

As by the title, I'm totally confused about lighting. First off, this is my set up: a 55 gal FOWLR system with about 65 lbs of LR. I do not plan on turning this tank into a reef, but do want the LR to grow the red, purple and other vegatation found in reef systems. I can't see spending nearly $300 at my LFS for reef lighting and don't think I need somthing so elaborate. Can anyone tell me of any DIY system that would work for what I want? Also, how many bulbs, what kind of bulbs, ballasts, wattage and anything else anyone can think of. I'm new to saltwater, but have kept fresh for many years. Oh, one more question: Is there any way I can convert my standard reflectors into something that would work. I have 2 reflectors at 18 watts each that was being used on the 55 gal when my African Chiclids were in there. Thanks.

[DaveC]

Coraline algea will grow well under PC lighting which would only cost you around $170.00 for a 4 foot strip...most LFS have them or you can purchase online...if you are never going to try corals then I would not waste much money on expensive lighting either..to get the good growth you just want to make sure you have good water quality, good water flow, calcium and alk at decent levels also...around 400ppm calc, and around 10Kh alk...I just opened a catalog from Dr Foster and Smith (petwarehouse)and the Power Compact Smartlight 4 foot 130W is $155.00...

DaveC

[Figstr822]

I found that same light a bit cheaper on another online site (can't think of the name, but have it bookmared). Anyway, I've been told that a normal shop light (2 of them) would do the trick. Each bulb is 40 watts, however, shop lights are not made for fish. If shop lights would work, what bulbs would you recommend - assuming shop lights would do the trick. I will eventually do a full-blown reef, but not until we've expanded our house and I can put a 300 gal or more tank in it. So for now, the 55 will remain a FOWLER

[Chuck S]

Shop light 40watt lights are fine for FOWLR tanks

Get one actinic and one 50/50 40watt bulb

or

one actinic and one 10k bulb

[Figstr822]

I had been searching around other forums as well and was told to do the shop light thing too. I bought 2 shoplights at HD. While I was there I decided to get som 40 watt 6500K bulbs. Then off to my LFS for the actinic bulbs. While I was there I noticed some Power Glows rated at 10,000K and decided to get them as well. After I got everything mounted I compaired the bulbs from HD to the Power Glows. The Power Glows are not nearly as brigh and put out a bluish white light. The HD bulbs are much brighter and put out a pure white light. Currently I'm running the HD bulbs with the actnics. Despite the Power Glows not being as bright, would I be better off using those or sticking with the regular bulbs? I'm wondering if the bright light of the regular bulbs is harmful to my fish. All I want is to grow some coraline algea on my LR.