Lighting?

[Ditzy3]

I am wanting to eventually set up my tank to have anomones and mushrooms, along with live rock and fish...I am curious as to what kind of lighting I will need to support that...along with what kind of filter? I have a 36 gallon tank.....thanks in advance for any suggestions


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[Reefing Madness]

No filter. Your Live Rock is your filter, ya just gotta trust me on this. I have a 240g tank, I don't run a filter, theres no need to. Big difference between Fresh water ahd Salt Water set ups. Filters we use to run GFO, or GAC from time to time.
Metal Halides, LEDs or a 4 lamp T-5 HO unit will suffice for your system.

 

[Ditzy3]

Is there a certain LED set up.....because I've seen some that say they are for fish only tanks and not for corals and the sort. There are so many choice and I gotta say I'm a little overwhelmed with trying to make a decision...hehe. And thank you for taking the time to answer


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[Ditzy3]

And what is GFO and GAC? And if no filter......do I need a sump tank?


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[Reefing Madness]

Look for ones that utilize 3w LEDs with 50-90 degree optics. There are alot of them out there.
Dimmable LED Aquarium Light 120W with Lens 55X3WATT Bridgelux Coral Reef Fixture | eBay
300W LED Aquarium Lighting for LED Coral Reef Tank Light Salt Water Aquatilia | eBay

 

[Ditzy3]

Thank you so much for your advice


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[Reefing Madness]

GFO is Granular Ferric Oxide. BRS Bulk GFO Granular Ferric Oxide - Bulk Reef Supply
GAC is Granular Activated Carbon
NO, a sump is a bonus, not a necessity. Running 2lbs of Live Rock per gallon will assure your tank has the filtration needed.

 

[Ditzy3]

When and why do you use GFO or GAC?


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[MelissaKathryn]

I completely agree with Reefing Madness.

The refugium IS a bonus, but a really fun and big one... but also a lot more to learn about.

At this moment, lighting is the least of your concerns. You don't need really good lighting until AFTER you have most of your Live Rock. It is a very important, but very expensive investment. The bulbs in Halides are expensive (for the good ones) and are usually replaced annually. LED lights are expensive at first, but you never have to replace them and don't use nearly as much energy and also don't get as hot to the touch. You might be able to snag a really super awesome halides lighting system on here from someone selling theirs to buy LEDs. Then, if you are really sure you love the hobby, you can splurge for the LEDs in a year or two. We currently have T5 20K Metal Halides and can grow any corals or clams our hearts desire! Double-check some big saltwater websites for the lighting needs of your favorite anemones. Also, double-check the corals. You might fall in love with some SPS or LPS corals :tongue:

I'm so lucky my boyfriend dealt with all the initial technical aspects. In the beginning, I was tooootttaalllyyyy lost...

Good Luck!
A Fellow Melissa

 

[MelissaKathryn]

Oh! And we don't have a filter, either. Instead, we have a Protein Skimmer <--- Super great and awesome! And power head pumps to circulate the water and create flow and lots of Live Rock! All the stuff that grows on Live Rock will eventually "filter" your water for you. Make sure you get lots of crabs and snails to clean up the detritus (poo and other decaying organic matter) and nuisance algae. If you get a refugium some day, that will also help "filter" your water.

Purchasing Priorities?
1. Protein Skimmer
2. Most of your Live Rock
3. Crabs and Snails
4. Lighting
5. Refugium (optional)

Then wait a few months before adding most corals.

Only my opinion, but from what I have learned, the best bet!

 

[Ditzy3]

Awesome.....thank you so much! You are just advising me all over the place!! You are a gem fellow Melissa!!!!! I will keep all of that in mind!!!


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