Starting from scratch

[MarshaW]

I purchased my first tank in June, a 12 gallon nano cube. I knew as soon as the guy I bought it from sat it up that I would want to go with a larger tank, so I bought a used 60 gallon this week. I'm wanting fish, as well as coral in this one, so I believe I need t5 lighting, right? Also, i measured the tank from end to end and the measurements are 39 3/4 by 16". My question is, do I measure the small ledge on the inside, or the way I did it from end to end? Does this make sense? Thank you

[jlemoine2]

You will have a variety of lighting options you can go with. T5 is one of them, or you can go with metal halide.

The 40ish inch length of the tank seems to be a non-standard size. Out of curiousity, what brand is the tank? Generally speaking, the tank length is not exact to a tanks spec. A 48" tank may be 49" when measuring on the outside of the frame (if it is a framed glass tank). You would still use a 48" fixture in this example. Most fixtures will come in like a 36" or a 48". I'm not sure if they come in between (such as a 40"). In your case, you could hang a 36" fixture above the tank and still be able to provide enough light for the length. If going with a metal halide pendant, you could hang two side by side and provide the needed light.

Hope that helps.

[MarshaW]

helped me alot. I appreciate your suggestion. Marsha

[WaterKeeper]

I agree James that is an unusual size. I guess it would be 22" tall.

Marsha, I too like the pendant mount solution. You could mount four or six 39 watt T-5 HO lamps just above the tank. The six tube option would handle all but the most light demanding corals.

[MarshaW]

I like the idea of the pendant mount, so that is what I will be doing. The guys that own Aquarium Concepts here in Okla. City are kind enough to help me with a payment plan on the lights, so everything is working in my favor. I really enjoy reading the posts on this site and all the good suggestions everyone gives when we have problems. Ya'll are definitely appreciated!!

Marsha

[WaterKeeper]

Just remember to bail me out if I get a question I can't solve. :D

[MarshaW]

The name of my company is Around The Clock Bail Bonds, but don't call after 11:00 P.M. or before 8:00 A.M. because I'm busy watching my wet pets. :o) M