Just getting started- Lights and Live Rock

reefstarter · Nov 26, 2012

I have just recently decided to create my first reef tank, and am not entirely sure on the starting equipment I need. There is some controversy over whether LED, Metal Halide, etc. works best. I do not have a very large budget, and am looking for the most cost effective (but still effective) method there is. It would be easiest if you could post links to the kind of light you are talking about, because I don't understand a lot of the technical words usually used to recommend these things to me

I have a ~60 gallon tank (36 x 18 x 24)

Also, how much live rock would I need for this? I know it is suggested to have 1 lb/gallon, but if I get 40 pounds of base rock, and 20 pounds of live rock to seed it will that work out ok? Same question for live sand! (Again, looking to save some money)

Thanks for the help!

SeahorseKeeper · Nov 26, 2012

When it comes to lighting, I would go for what you like the best. Metal halide, led and t-5 will all grow coral very nicely on your size tank. If you can, look at some setups in person at a LFS or find some fellow reefers to see what you like. Metal halide and t-5 will be cheaper to start off with, but the bulbs need to be replaced at a minimum of yearly. LED's cost more to start, but you do not need to replace the bulbs yearly. I will let some others chime in about specific fixtures.

As for the rock, 40 pounds of base rock and 20 pounds of live rock looks good to me. I would go with dry sand and get a cup of live sand from a LFS or reefer.

BTW, welcome to R2R!!!