Lighting

[rdahlke1105]

Ok I have been reading threads for a couple of months now and have gotten really confused on lighting options. I know there are T5's, HQI and MH's but I can't seem to figure out the differences in strengths. I know for certain corals you want stronger lights than others and I know that in some cases of corals you want the 20,000K. I'm just trying to figure out which of the lighting types put out which K.

 

[troybuckle]

Most people seem to say that generally you need about 3-4W per gallon to keep about any type of coral you would like. That’s what I have gone with, someone with more experience is sure to chime in soon.

 

[fastrd400]

The K rating you refer to is the color of the bulb. A 10K is more yellow, where as a 20K is way more blue. On a 75 like you have, you can go with either a 6 bulb T5 set-up, or MH. T5 will run cooler, and not effect the tank temp, where as the MH will increase your tank temp.

 

[rdahlke1105]

Thank you for the information. It got a little confusing really.

 

[reeffreak]

You have three choices to be unlimited for corals,anemones and clams.

6x54 T5-HO fixture with ndividual reflectors.
2x175w or 2x250w Metal Halides(HQI is a type of metal halides)
2 LED modules made for reef systems.

 

[rdahlke1105]

I think I do want to go the LED route since they don't put out the heat like the others. That and they are cheaper to run over the long run.