The Puffer Forum

I have a 52 gallon tank that measures 36" Long, 19" tall, and I think like 18" deep. I liked this shorter set up as I figure it will be a little easier to light and it has more of a footprint for my happy little GSP. I am working on adding LR to the set up and have had pretty good luck finding some in my area. The two pieces I picked up today are covered well with purple, green, and red. I currently just have a single new eclipse F30T8 bulb on top of the tank so I am looking for some better lighting. I may attempt some of the easier corals at some point , but not just yet. I want to better master the marine tank before failing at coral. I have read tons on the lighting here and absorbed about half of it. I am wondering if anyone has any input on the linked set up and if it would take care of the lighting for a while. I may someday invest in one of the 400.00 sets but, I am not ready to drop that much yet. I am also hoping that with how short my tank is that I may be able to get away with the cheaper lights for the moment. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

http://cgi.ebay.com/36-POWER-COMPACT-FL ... 3a57eee850

lots of action in this topic.

With no corals you can stick with the light you have.

The amount of light you need depends on what you want to keep. If you are going to go the power compact route, you can get 2x96watt that would be much better than the one listed. That will be enough light for softcorals, all though they would be more colorful under brighter lights, as they tend to turn brown under weaker lighting.

If you are going to get into corals however, even if its just softies, you are going to want more light. A single 250w metal halide pendant or retrofit kit would be a perfect and affordable option and easy to find used. T5s are another great option, but are going to be even more expensive to get something quality like icecap, miro4, or ati.

I have a 36" PC light for sale. It takes 2 96 wt bulbs. I have one 10,000K daylight bulb (only used about a month). The actinic bulb broke, so you'd have to purchase one for that. $70 + shipping.

killer deal there!

Yeah, I'd really like to get that out of my basement!

I am interested in your lights. What brand is the set up so I can get a look at it online? Also do you have any suggestions on where to get that broken bulb? Thanks

Your best bet would probably be Ebay for the bulb. I'm not sure of the brand.

Pufferpunk wrote:Your best bet would probably be Ebay for the bulb. I'm not sure of the brand.

When I was looking at bulbs I would need to know what type of connections it has. Straight pin or square. Was just trying to get an idea on what I'd be getting.

Alright... I''ll go trudge down into the basement...

Thanks, I appreciate it. Could shoot you the moola by Friday. Will shoot you a pm on the specifics after I check it out. I am off to grab some Ben and Jerry's for the wife so that she is distracted while I lightly mention that I am going to spend more moola on the aquarium... Wish me luck.

Square pin. Looks like the Odessy but the label is worn off.

Go for a 420/460 actinic/blue mix, IMO they bring out the colors more. Pure 420 bulbs are dim and on the purple side, where pure blue is brighter, yet wont fluoresce corals as much.

Mek0ng wrote:Go for a 420/460 actinic/blue mix, IMO they bring out the colors more. Pure 420 bulbs are dim and on the purple side, where pure blue is brighter, yet wont fluoresce corals as much.

Thanks for the suggestion. Which of these bulbs would be best to replace the actinic? I am unsure what they mean by deep blue 03 and bright blue? Thanks in advance for any more input.

Much thanks to PP for the lighting set up too!!

I got your payment & thought it might be a good idea to check that everything is still in good working order, before i ship out. The fan isn't turning. I've got hubby my Mr Fix it guy, going over it this weekend. Sorry...