Lighting for a 55 gallon

[LambZero]

A little on what my situation is, I have a 55 gallon (48L 21H[seems to be 18 after rock/sand) 12W) It used to be freshwater but the oscars got to be (roomate didnt realize how big they got) and i have a 10gallon with two false percula clowns young still. I got them from my uncle cause he told me learn with a fish only tank then slowly add more complex live rock and corals as i get better with a bigger tank. My main question is Lighting and protein skimmer. this is what i have

170gph (no clue what brand was given to me) powerhead
eheim 2234 canister filter
200watt heater

for lighting i've read you need 2-6 watts per gallon at the same time i've read not to trust that theory and go with the depth of the tank. I would rather go with CL lighting instead of T5 or MH for the fact heat is an issue in my living arrangement.


http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+9654+13637&pcatid=13637

i would get 2 24inch since my tank has a brace at the top in the middle. would this be adequate for corals? i dont want to have a reef tank yet but i dont want to have to upgrade later. and for a protein skimmer i was think about picking up a prism skimmer.

[sjfishguy]

You will get less heat and much more light with T5s. I am a MH guy, I love the look and the results, but if you are set against it because of heat, definitely go t5, you wont be sorry.

[MR PALM BEACH]

This might be a better option and doesnt put out too much heat, only couple bux more than what you where looking at. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+12772&pcatid=12772

[LambZero]

so T5s put out less heat then CFs? that is what i am kinda confused on what are the differences in florescent

[ahullsb]

Go with a t5 setup at least if you don't want to have to upgrade. If you buy the setup you posted you will only be able to keep lower light corals. No clams, anemones, sps, and a some lps. If heat is an issue, I think a small fan blowing across the top of the water would help with that issue. Plus I started with a CF setup, and maintained corals. I never really saw much growth. If you go with t5's, buy one with individual reflectors. It makes quite a difference. Also I would start adding more flow if I were you. I have a 55 as well, and I have a Koralia #3 (850 gph) as well as 3 Maxi Jet 900's (160 gph each). And I still don't feel I have too much flow. Both of those powerheads are fairly cheap though. I think a Maxi is like $18.00 Good luck and welcome to Reef Central!

[Ralph ATL]

I have this over my 55 and love it.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~CU01064.html

I had my temp at 78 until recently I decided to raise my temp to 81-82. I use a 200 watt heater & a 25 dollar pc fan over my sump to cool.

[madreefer14]

See my gallery for my setup. No heat proplem at all with my t5 setup. I got a cheap muffin fan from Radio Shack for cooling the lights. The only thing that t5's wont do that MH will is give you the shimmer effect, and you cant get a 20K bulb (yet).

A prizm skimmer is too small for that tank in my oppinion. I have one on my 33 gal and will soon be changing it to a prizm pro. Dont get me wrong they do work with a little modification. There just a PITA to adjust. Try checking ebay for one. Im guessing cost is an issue here for a skimmer.