new to fish only.. lighting help please

[BigBadBlenny]

hello all. i have had a reef tank for years now and due to a few reasons i am switching my 100 gal to fish only.

i have a few questions for you lot. what are you guys using for lights? i have 2 x 250 mh now but i am thinking its overkill for a fish only tank..

[SPCLMANAGE]

I would agree that metal halide is a bit much, I think T5 or a good powercompact would be sufficient for FOWLR? Just my 2 cents!

[dave90ztt]

i would go t5's or vho's. power compact bulbs are too pricey and dont seem to last very long, at least that has been my experience. You could always use your halides for now until you purchase something else but they are definately overkill for fish only.

[Mentat]

If only critters are fish, fluorescent tube fixtures are probably the most economical to purchase and replace. Depending on fish colors, you can experiment with a mix of Gro-lux type (pink), actinic (blue), and/or white to show fish colors the best. I only turn them on in the evening for a couple hours when observing the fish and for rest of day, just room natural light.

If you also want to grow coralline algae on the rocks, will need longer light exposures and depending on tank depth, stronger light sources (i.e. T5).

[mattsilvester]

I have T5's over my 8x2x2 tank. Basically, there are 2 T5 units mounted end to end, each 36" long, with an 8" gap at each end and a 8", with 2 no. 36W tubes in each. That is 4 tubes, or 144W in total.

I downgraded from 2 no 250W SE MH lamps, and found this to be plenty of light...... massive electricity savings - the units paid for themselves in a few months.....

[BigBadBlenny]

thanks for the replies. i think t5 is the way to go.

[sean A.]

I have an Acrylic tank could I put T5 rite on top of my tank or do I need to raise them up a little. 2 bulbs per fixture.