Derek

I am just starting out with fish only (some liverock) but will be adding coral and anemms when $$$$ things get a little better. I had just regular lights, but came acroos a 48in fixture I couldnt pass up. It has 2 halide 150w 14k, 2 130w 420/460 flor, and 6 LED, I know I didnt need it for what I have, but it seemed like a good deal, The more I read the more confused I get. When do I need to use them, if at all. Or just save the big ones for when I get coral? Do I use them during the day, at night. Also I like the blue look of the flor, but these seem real dark purple, can I get something alittle lighter.Thanks for the help.

au01st

If you only have fish, you don't NEED halides, a standard 48" fluorescent fixture will suffice. You will need the halides when you start adding corals. The 2x130 can be used for actinic supplementation. Look for halide in the 12-15k range for a whiter look. The actinics are used to imitate sunrise/sunset and can be left on all day if you like the color look.

Also keep in mind, it takes 10-15min for the bulbs to heat up to operating temp, so you may not like the color at first, but give them a few minutes.

The LEDs can be used for "moon lights" at night and allow viewing of the after hours goings-on in the tank.

Make sure all the fish you get are "reef safe" in that they won't eat inverts or nip corals.

Derek

Thanks for the info, The halides are bright, but they dont bother me to much is the flores. that are alittle to purple, I like the color it to dark they remind me old black lights

WETTRIGGER

Never look directly into your halides!