What fluorescent lights should I get?

[mack606]

Hey,
I'm starting a 75 gallon marine tank, that used to be a freshwater for 5 years. I have 1 48" F40 "Eclipse Natural Daylight" fluorescent tube and I'm adding 2 more of the same size tubes so I will have 3 total. What type of lights should the 2 other be? Is it possible to have coral with only 120W total?

Also,
My tank is by a window, is direct sunlight harmful?

thanks

 

[Germanman]

well depends do u want fish only or corals too?

 

[mack606]

Well if I can buy certain lights that will support corals than I will, but I don't want to buy another ballast.

 

[Germanman]

eclipse systems are almost no good for any corals. u can mod it but ull need to get a new lighting unit.

 

[kandibrandy]

Hey fellow Canadian...
We have a 72 gallon and we run a 6 bulb T-5, 3 10k and 3 actinic. Total watt is 390 the bulbs are 65 watt each. We have some light hungry corals and they are just fine. I would suggest upgrading your lights if you want any type of coral. Unless you want Sun polyps, they don't require any light. For a fish only with live rock your lighting system would be fine.

Just my experience so far and good luck with it, you will definately enjoy the salty side of tank life, IT ROCKS.

Brandy

 

[kandibrandy]

And yes direct sunlight can cause issues...algae, over heating and among other things. An enclosed system like tanks can't support the amount of light from the sun...

B