In the dark - lights?

[VegasSalt]

OK, starting my first saltwater. My tank (like it or not) is a 70 gallon tall. 36 x 31 x 16.

I want to grow some easy corals. Not planning on the crazy stuff.

When I originally budgeted, I was told AI primes would cover 24 x 24 area.

But apparently the depth of the tank may be an issue? Now the person who told me that was a hard core coral enthusiast, so maybe I am OK if I keep it simple? Leathers and Mushrooms near the bottom?

So the question is, with that size tank, a $400 budget, and knowing I am going to keep it easy with the corals, what kind of lighting should I get? If the right answer is more budget, what does that look like?

I'm in the dark...

 

[P-Dub]

Two SBReef lights, 16-inch basics or 30-inch basic. Inexpensive and solid at growing all sorts of corals and you will have money left over for corals.

 

[Mjrenz]

Welcome to the forum! The only person you need to worry about liking your tank is yourself! Good advice above on the lights

 

[VegasSalt]

I'm liking the lights. Think I may do the 32 basic 3 channel. Just a bit uncertain about mounting with my hood, but I'll work that out.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

#WelcometoR2R

Check out the market place and sometimes Craigslist. Sometime there can be great deals to stretch that budget further than first thought. Keep us updated

And again welcome.

 

[P-Dub]

I'm liking the lights. Think I may do the 32 basic 3 channel. Just a bit uncertain about mounting with my hood, but I'll work that out.

Show us a photo of the hood.

 

[VegasSalt]

So, I went to pick up my special order tank and realized that I couldn’t reach the bottom of the tank. It was beautiful, but not for me.

So, I am swapping the tank for a more traditional 4’ wide 80 gal so the height won’t be an issue.

Thank you from for lending a hand!!!

 

[VegasSalt]

So, I went to pick up my special order tank and realized that I couldn’t reach the bottom of the tank. It was beautiful, but not for me.

So, I am swapping the tank for a more traditional 4’ wide 80 gal so the height won’t be an issue.

Thank you from for lending a hand!!!

 

[VegasSalt]

So, I went to pick up my special order tank and realized that I couldn’t reach the bottom of the tank. It was beautiful, but not for me.

So, I am swapping the tank for a more traditional 4’ wide 80 gal so the height won’t be an issue.

Thank you from for lending a hand!!!

 

[VegasSalt]

Sorry for the double post

 

[jamo130788]

I had a tank of similar dimensions at one point and I used an artic revive t247- found it to be good bang for the buck. I actually will be selling one soon if youre interested

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

First welcome to the forum where you will find lots of lovely people were bob is definitely their uncle. In terms of lights and a deep tank I’m in your shoes. My 240 gallon is 34 inches tall and my arms don’t even come close even with my head under water. Yet it does have some amazing affects and I’d never trade it. My new 425 which ( is ready but I’m too busy to set it up), was custom and I made it only 28 inches tall. But you have to like it, not others build what you have always wanted.

In terms of lights because my tank is deeper than most I use the current marine pro model 4117 (these are not the ic pros etc they are the higher powered ones). Anyway with my ly-cor 1500 par meter I have an average of 150-200 on the sand bed because they have a 60 degree lens. (Note 4117 model is 72 inches long but they make shorter ones just don’t know the model numbers). The new light by noophysce is really nice and very affordable. Other lights I would suggest would be reefbrights aka black boxes. However, they make cheap and good ones so check the power supply to Make sure they are certified.

You may want to get a light where if you change course your not limited by it. I would get a light that can do everything and worse case dial it down. Also hint just because something is low cost doesn’t mean that it’s terrible. This hobby doesn’t have to cost you a ton of money.

 

[Salty Lemon]

I have Chinese black box lights. They will reach the bottom no problem and very affordable . I have a 210 that is 30" high. I have the lights turned at half because they are so bright. Now...I am like you. I've got starter corals, zoas, softies, LPS. They grow just fine. If you want to move to the tough stuff, you may have to eventually move to a different lighting system.

Oh...and welcome to the forum!