almostthere002

I am still cycling my tank so in the mean time I am reading up on things I eventually want to do with my tank so I can prepare for it now. Getting a little confused about the low, medium and high needs for water flow and lighting. Is there a rule of thumb I can use?

This is what I have...
AquaPro HOB filter for up to 70 gallons (dont know GPH)
Instant Ocean SeaClone protein skimmer up to 100 gal (dont know gph)
And looking into 2 power heads that together equal 800 gph
And the light I have currently came with the tank which is just the ordinary tube lighting with the plastic hood (dont know watts)
I have a 55 gallon almost cube shaped tank. Its taller and wider then the average 55 gal tank but not as long...if that matters which I believe it would because of the difference in the depth.

I have the gph written down at home on the skimmer, filter and the watts for the light but I am not there right now. Basically, with this info any chance you could tell me where I am at in flow and lighting (low, medium or high)?

And do they make lighting that is good for corals that can go into the plastic hood light fixture I have? I am replacing it eventually but I don't need to right now.

Thanks

lew2000

Below are links that i hope you will find useful:

http://www.americanaquariumproducts...._Lighting.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aqu...ing-54344.html

http://www.fishlore.com/aquarium_light.htm

http://aquaticconcepts.thekrib.com/A...M_Lighting.htm

As you said, with a deeper tank, the lighting can be more of an issue. The first link give the best synopsis for aqaurium lighting. You will have to have at least an atinic bulb for corals as well as a daylight bulb. If your fixture won't accomodate the bulbs you want or require, there are numerous DIY sites for making inexpensive hood/lighting or modfifying existing hoods. Most common bulbs come in 16/24/26/48" and the different diameters (T sizes) explained above.

As far as water flow, you also have of course to consider filtration. The HOB you are using at up to 70gph is not really enough. Personally, even for lightly stocked aquariums i would have at a minimum 8X turnover of water. 55g = 400gph per hour. Remember that mfgrs of filters rate at high end, before filter media, bio media, distance from pump to outlet (head), size of tubing/piping - these all combine to restrict water flow. IMO, i usually subtract 25% from mfgr rating. If you are going to have invertabrates/corals of any number, it is best to have very clean water.

Essentially, i don't know how much help i am providing, but from experience and reading, to have a saltwater tank (especially this type) it is best to buy the best gear you can afford, even if you have to save up, so that you don't end up paying(no pun intended) down the road.

almostthere002

Thanks for the links and advice. Corals are in the far future from now because I really do need to save up but I figured I would start doing what I can or at least learn what I can now.

BigJoe

If it's as deep as I remember from my LFS you might have to look into a MH light... these can be expensive although if given enough room above the tank i think you could use one thats designed for a warehouse light much cheaper. look around... not everything has to be aquarium products to use with an aquarium... first find a fixture then a bulb if it exists before buying it