Lighting a new tank

[586danh]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Just about ready to start setting up new tank. I have all the pieces just waiting on my lights. I am new to saltwater so any and all help would be great. I am setting up a 75 gallon I am going to use a 35 gallon for refugium. I have my skimmer pumps and a scwd. The question is I bought a 230watt compact and two metal halides on ebay the have a 400watt 20k bulb and the other has a 400 watt 12k bulb. Should I use both MH and the compact which also has the blue moon bulbs. or is this to much light?#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[davejnz]

no,real hard to have too much light in a reef tank,although IMO 250's would of been fine for a 75.
FYI,use at least 3-4" fans in your canopy,PC's have short bulb lifes as it is.Dakar is only getting6-9months out of his.Too bad u already bought the PC's,T5's are much better,cheaper too if you retro them

[jerryc]

Don't thank that will be to much at all. You will be able to keep almost anything you
wont with that light.
Hopefully it has separate cords so you can have the compact come on before the MH to give you the dusk to down effect
If not Thea can be separated

[dakar]

If you run into any bumps when the time comes for wiring everything up the way you want just give a holler and we'll get you sorted out.

[586danh]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Thanks yes all the lights have seperate plugs. Paid 50 for the compact its a catilina. paid 229.00 for the two halides think i got a good deal. is there a good online place for live rock and should I get all live rock or some base rock as well#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[davejnz]

There are alot of online retailers that have good deals on LR.If it were me,I'd order 1lb per gallon(75lbs for your tank) of the cheaper Fiji base rock(not dry/dead rock).Then go to your LFS and hand pick a few select pieces that will help in the construction of the aquascape.I really like the Tonga branch rock,it allows you to build arches/ledges and it keeps the LR spaced apart.You really only need 1lb per gallon but you can add 30lbs of the Tonga branch to help build that aquascape up high.One thing you want to avoid is a rockpile.Keep your rock well spaced apart so current will be able to flow through it.