Prop Tank Set Up...Suggestions on Lighting?

[raw04f]

I am considering making my 55 gallon freshwater tank, into a saltwater prop tank. I'm trying to make this as cheap as possible seeing as how I am a poverty stricken college student. My set up will consist of:

Filtration:
Emperor 500 Bio Wheel Filter

Skimmer:
Aqua C Remora

Substrate:
Live Sand

Lighting:
T8 fixture from Lowes. Buying coral life bulbs from Hellolights, three Actinic and one daylight.

The most controversal part of this whole set up are the lights, do you think that I can make an effective prop tank with a T8 fixture from Lowes and the bulbs from coral life?

[Tennsquire]

What are you trying to prop? I'm not sure you'd have enough par running mostly actinic bulbs. Also, to maximize light using T-8's, it would be better to use a shallow tank (like a 40 breeder) rather than a taller tank like your 55. Maybe you can pick one up cheap in the used equip forum or on Craig's list. I know our Petco's have occasional buck a gallon sales on tanks.

[Urban_Squrill]

Depends on what you want to grow. I would say just use 3 6.5k bulbs from lowes to get the most par.